Mid-norfolk Times December 2009

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FREE! Issue No. 152 A Free Paper Supporting Mid-Norfolk Communities

December 2009

Attleborough High School Sixth Form Presidents Lincoln's Tea & Coffee Shoppe & Bistro Of Hingham (situated on Fairland Green)

Tel:01953 851357 This Christmas why not let Lincoln's:   

Make you a 6 inch square fruit cake (marzipan, iced & boxed) for only £10 Greet you to meet friends & enjoy a 2 course Christmas lunch for £13.50 per head Welcome you on Christmas Day for a 5 course meal for £51.95 per head (please enquire)

Entertaining friends before Christmas? Book for our special buffet evenings at Lincoln's Bistro on Friday 11th & Saturday 12th December for only £12.95 per head (inc free glass of mulled wine)

December Special View Arlene Bartlett's Artwork & enjoy a cup of filter coffee & homemade de-luxe mince pie for only £2.25

Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 - 4pm Bistro Friday & Saturday 6 - 9pm Visit www.lincolns-of-hingham.co.uk For our Festive Celebration Menus

Picture Submited

2009 - 2010 Sixth Form Presidents With Mr Brian Hunt, Head of Sixth Form Back Row (left to right): James Chapman, Frank Garrod, Laurence Grunbaum, Will Copland. Front Row (left to right): Catherine Mitchell, Charlotte Taverner, Nic Jackson, Laura Gipp, Amy Stanton, Amy Webb. Attleborough High School is reaping the benefits of having recently introduced a Sixth Form Presidential Team. At Attleborough for many years a Head Boy and Girl and pairs of House Captains for each of the four school houses have been elected from the Year 11 Prefect Team. Elections for Year 11 House Captains have recently been held by whole school student virtual voting through the school‘s award winning Virtual Learning Environment. Whilst these important roles will continue to thrive and have a prominent impact on the school, the fast growing Sixth Form has presented a need for Sixth Form representation too. Hence the innovation of a Sixth Form Presidential Team - consisting of ten students whose role is to involve Sixth Formers and main school students both in the life of the school and the wider community, and to provide exemplary role models for younger students. The students have attended training on mentoring and leadership and will have the opportunity to carry out the diploma in leadership during their tenure. Students have already

made an impact in the life of the school: organising a Christmas Ball for all of the Sixth Form, liaising with staff to improve the study resources available for the Sixth Form, exploring extending their social opportunities, developing links with specific subjects and faculties, speaking at school Open Evening and in assemblies and becoming involved in organising sporting and charity events. Acting Deputy Headteacher Carmina McConnell commented: ―Our Sixth Formers are a highly talented and motivated group of students. The students who were chosen as the first of the Sixth Form presidents for this school have the ability to inspire and support the rest of the student body both at Sixth Form and Main School level. This is an exciting development for the school‖ Lead President Laura Gipp commented: ― We have the opportunity to develop our individual interests and strengths when carrying out this role. For example, it is a great opportunity to develop the resources in my specialist area of Drama.‖

Watton Town Council sets low increase budget Watton Town Council has set a budget for 2010/11 that will mean a typical Band D property precept will rise by only 4p per month; but only after a last minute intervention by the Town Clerk, Mrs Jacqui Seal. This year, for the first time, individual committee budgets were set by councillors and an overall administration budget was set by all the committee chairs. The resulting planned budget was £159, 659. During discussions at the full council meeting on the 24th November, as a result of the Clerk‘s intervention, a total of £10, 600 was trimmed from the amount set by councillors leaving a total budget for next year of £149,059 an increase of less than 1%. Among the items trimmed from the budget was £1,600 of the amount set aside for civic regalia which was reduced from £2,100 to just £500. Another major cut of £5,000 was made by making provision for the cleaning maintenance costs of the town toilets, from the interest received from the commuted sum given by Breckland Council when the toilets were first handed over. This sum, which amounted to £165,000 left after refurbishment costs, was placed into a bond at Clerk‘s recommendation, a move which has since proven to be financially prudent and highly beneficial to the town‘s council tax payers. Councillors were delighted at being able to set such a low increase. Councillor Alf Harvey said he felt able to ―go home happy after being so worried about it‖.

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Christmas & All That Jazz Thetford Singers are proud to present a very different Christmas Concert this year with some breathtaking arrangements of favourites old and new. There are 2 performances both starting at 7.30pm :Garboldisham Village Hall on Friday 11th December and Methodist Church Hall, Tanner St, Thetford on Saturday 12th December. All choirs associated with www.BBCchoirs.com have been asked to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Handel`s birth by singing the Hallelujah Chorus in Nov/Dec this year, but as an "extra"

Thetford Singers are performing the complete Messiah condensed into 3 minutes! Other works include Bob Chilcott`s Little Jazz Mass, some Breezy Bach, a medley of Andrew LLoyd Webber`s songs from shows and unusual arrangements of several well known seasonal numbers guaranteed to make the evening go with a swing. To help music director Chris Wray keep the whole thing together will be Pip Jepson on piano and a Jazz Trio of local musicians. Tickets priced £6 (£5 concessions) are available from TIC Thetford on 01842-751975 or Village Shop,, Garboldisham.

Do-Down-Under-Day This year, at Christmas, do different - Do Down Under Day. This is a chance to experience some of the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas on the other side of the world, in New Zealand. Some members of the Methodist Church are hosting this alternative 'take' on the Festive Season on Saturday 19th December at the Christian Community Centre from 10am 2pm. There will be a continuous programme of slides, films,

puzzles, music and dance and an exhibition of photographs, maps and souvenirs. Tea and coffee will be served throughout the day with light lunches from 12noon- 1:30. Entry is FREE and there will be an opportunity to donate to the Meningitis Research Foundation. This is a 'Spirit of Caroline' event. Drop in for a little while or stay for longer but please do COME and support this worthwhile cause.

Watton & District Royal British Legion Week The Remembrance Week Parades started off at 12:00 hrs on Saturday 7 November at the War Graves in St Mary‘s Churchyard when the Standards of the Royal British Legion and 864 (Watton) ATC were present when poppy crosses were laid on all the War Graves which were in pristine condition due to the efforts of Mr and Mrs Andy Hubbard from Lakenheath, a task which they have now carried out for at least two years. The crosses were laid by ATC Cadets and members of the public who attended this moving ceremony. On Sunday 8 November Poppy Wreath laid on Tottington War Memorial, Legion Standard Bearer and Legion representatives present, plus members of the public. The main Parade was at 14.15 hrs on Sunday 8 November at the Thetford Road War Memorial where representatives of the voluntary organisations in Watton plus Mayor and Town Council, military representatives from RAF Honnington and USAF RAF Lakenheath and RBL and RAFA branches were present and appropriate Wreaths laid. After a short Service at which the Last Post and Reveille were played by Miss A M Nichols the Parade under the Parade Marshall, Mr Pat Murphy, marched to St Mary‘s Church for a Service of Remembrance. The RBL Standard was then present at Griston Church at Griston on Sunday evening for the Remembrance Service. The week‘s Parades then ended with the Two Minute Silent Tribute at the Thetford Road War Memorial at 11:00 hrs on 11th November with Standards from RBL and RAFA present plus detachments from Watton RBL and

RAFA and a very good turnout from the people of Watton and surrounding district. THE WALSH CHILDREN OF NEATON REMEMBERED There was an especially poignant moment during the Remembrance Parade at Watton in November. 90 years old, Maureen Walsh, the last surviving member of the Walsh family who lived at Neaton in the 1920‘s honoured her brothers and sister by laying a wreath at the Memorial. The wreath was laid by Maureen and Christopher, aged 9. Maureen, who is pictured in her wheelchair, served in the ATS from 1939 to 1945 working as a team-leader in radiolocation and later as an MP. Of her brothers, Sam, served with the Parachute Regiment and was taken POW at Arnhem while Charles fought and was wounded at Monte Casino and

her sister Kathleen was in the Land Army. A second wreath was laid in memory of Samuel Alfred Ward who was killed at Passchendaele in 1917 by his namesake Samuel Walsh who is aged 11. Sam Ward was the brother of Maureen‘s mother and was well known locally and along the Norfolk coast as a singer and entertainer. The Chairman and Members of the Watton & District Royal British Legion would like to thank all organisations who took part in these Parades but mainly the people of Watton and surrounding districts who once again gave their whole-hearted support, not only in memory of those fallen in past conflicts but right up to this very day when our Servicemen and women are once more sacrificing their lives for our freedom.

Picture: Richard Crabtree

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Hingham Veterans Badminton Club Don't be a couch potato now the evenings have drawn in. It's the time to act and be active. Played badminton in your younger years? Well come out of retirement and get some fun exercise on a Tuesday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm. The club plays at Hingham Sports Centre on the Watton Road where excellent facilities exist with three courts available for use. It's a pay as you play arrangement at £3 per session with the occasional £1 for shuttles. Ages range from 40 to over 80 with the latter showing skill acquired with age and the younger with speed. It's a fun session where you also get exercise. Much better than a rowing machine, static cycle, weight lifting etc. Why not come along and recapture your old skills. For further information please contact John Roach on 01953 600019 or just turn up at 3pm on any Tuesday ready to play. You will be made most welcome.

Countdown to Christmas

Quiz Night Saturday 6th February 7.30pm start

At Great Ellingham Recreation Centre £2 per person - teams of four

To book a table ring Jean on 01953 453 375 In aid of Great Ellingham (St James) Scout Group Charity Number 1062603

Plymouth to Dakar Challenge

It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 [email protected]

Cartoon by Lindsay Keir Wise in aid of Quidenham Children’s Hospices and sponsored by The Wayland News

Picture: Submitted People do some crazy thing for charity, but Brian Martin and Terry Young (pictured above) are pushing the boundaries of craziness even further in their efforts to help ―The Suzie Wright Leukaemia Fund‖. As Terry said ―you only live once and I think this will be safer than our last challenge, White Water Rafting on the Zambezi ―Brian and I are taking part in the Plymouth - Dakar Challenge, and we start at Plymouth on January 3rd and expect to cover 4,000 miles ending up in Banjul some 3 weeks later hopefully in one piece. ―In doing this challenge we shall be doing something we always wanted to do and at the same time raising money for local charities in the Gambia and for "The Suzie Wright Leukaemia Fund". The challenge is to nurse a ‗knackered‘ car all the way to destinations that people

would normally only consider flying to. ―We begin at Plymouth, then onto Southern Spain where it really starts. We then head South through Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania but after the Sahara Desert crossing the route heads inland to Mali, Senegal and onto Banjul in the Gambia. In total some 4,100 Miles. ―On arrival our Vehicle is sold by the Rotary Club Control Committee and the funds raised will be passed to local worthy causes. ―This is a very expensive challenge so we are asking for help by way of Sponsors, 2/3rds of the money we raise will be donated to our chosen local charity, and 1/3rd will help us with our expenses. If you would like to sponsor Terry and Brian please get in touch with Terry at: Keepers Corner, Wretham, Norfolk IP24 1RD. Tel: 01953 499955.

Brownies Adventure on! 1st Watton Brownies have been working very hard this month towards their Adventure 100 badge. In fact, we have been so busy, we nearly forgot what the inside of the Scout Hut looked like! We started the month with our Ice Cool challenge and spent the evening tasting some unusual ice-cream flavours - stem ginger was the favourite and cardamom the least. The week of Halloween was just the right time to take on the In the Dark challenge and we spent the evening blindfolded, playing hunting games and picnicing in the dark. The blindfolded picnic had a mixed response - some of the girls were brave enough to eat whatever they were given, others were less trusting! As if Brown Owl would really feed you cats eyes in bat poo ....! Bonfire Night was a very special evening as we had a campfire evening and 2 new Brownies, Georgie and Beth, made their Promise in front of the bonfire. We have also been busy with lots of outings this month and have been to the Theatre in Norwich and attended the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Watton. (pictured right).

Our latest new Brownie, Dannii, made her Promise on the stage of the Maddermarket Theatre, before the show, which was certainly an adventure! We are now over half way through our 10 challenges and look forward to completing the badge in the New Year.

Picture: Submitted

THE WATTON PLAICE 9 Middle Street, Watton “THE ORIGINAL PLAICE” Now in our 6th Successful Year

Paul and Steve wish all our Customers a Happy & Peaceful Christmas and New Year and we thank all of you for your continued support. Frying on Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am to 1.45pm and 4.30pm to 8.00pm Closed Sunday and Monday Don’t forget our Thursday Lunchtime Delivery Service for the Housebound and Elderly only. There is no charge for delivery - you pay only the normal take-away prices.

Plaice your order before 11am on a Thursday WET FISH available from 9am daily

Tel: 01953 882401

A Merry Christmas from “The Original Plaice”

Christmas can be a busy time of year, especially for your rubbish bin, and the last thing you want to be thinking about is recycling! So this year, Breckland Council want to say a big thank you for all your recycling efforts. On every recycling collection day in December, a recycling bin will be picked at random, and if all the items in the bin can be collected through our kerbside collection scheme, the lucky householder will receive a £20 shopping voucher. Here‘s a quick reminder of the items which can go into your black recycling bin:  Paper  Cardboard  Plastic bottles  Steel and aluminium cans  Aerosol cans So for the chance to receive a £20 shopping voucher, all you need to do is continue recycling and placing your black bin out for collection! For more information about the Countdown to Christmas, contact Environmental Services on 01362 656878.

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 3

A Merry Christmas from “The Original Plaice”

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WATTON PANTOMIME GROUP presents an amateur production of

SNOW WHITE And the Seven Days of the Week Written by Stephanie Easter

At the Queens Hall, Watton

Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday 30th January at 7.30pm Saturday Matinee at 2pm Tickets £6 Adults £5.50 Children Family Tickets 2 x 2 £20 Available from Smiths Clothing, 36 High Street, Watton.

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What a picture, what a Photographic Club

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 5

'Candlelight Service' for Christmas Eve A Candlelit Carol Service will be held at Watton Methodist Church on Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December at 7.00pm. We would like to invite folk to join us on this special occasion and to enjoy carols, some of which will be accompanied by Watton Silver Band who are always such a favourite. Our organist will accompany the remainder of the singing. Our Minister, the Rev. Barbara Winner, will lead the worship and various members and friends will be reading the familiar Christmas passages. Donations received on this evening will be divided between two charities, 'Mercy Ships' and ''Christian Aid.' This is an evening in which all can participate and celebrate once again the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. Come just as you are - you are all welcome. Every blessing to you at Christmas from the Minister and members and friends at Watton Methodist Church.

Breckland Cats Protection

Picture: Caston Camera CLub The winners left to right with their awards are Bob Darts, Diana Graham, Colin Stone, Martin Kemp, Francesca Shearcroft. It‘s now three full years since Caston Camera Club first opened its doors to members and since then it has now become, probably, the most popular club in Norfolk with a standard of photography that continues to impress. At the recent AGM held in November, club chairman Brian Brooker congratulated the members on their high level of activity and participation in various events, but particularly the Wayland Show where the club was appointed Official Photographer and at iSports International where the club

was asked to provide images for their web site. But he went on to say that while the club is really keen to attract quality photographers they also want and pay a great deal of attention to beginners too, as the beginners are at the very heart of the club. Some very attractive, engraved, crystal awards were presented to the winners of the club‘s annual competition and an additional award was made to Diana Graham for achieving Best Improved Photographer of the year.

Christmas Keep Safe at Watton in Your Home Library The library is full of books with ideas for festive food, cards, decorations, crafts for children and some lovely Christmas stories. Or maybe you'd like to think about escaping the winter altogether and browse our travel guides? It's free to join the library and borrow books, or use our computers for some online Christmas shopping. We also stock DVDs, Wii and Playstation games which are available for loan for a small charge. Just pop in or visit www.libray.norfolk.gov.uk for more information. Christmas Card Making: Saturday 12th December from 10.30 -11.30 A free fun event for families Recycled Christmas: Monday 21st December from 2.00 - 3.30 A free fun event with Breckland Council's Recycling Team Make original Christmas decorations from recycled materials. Children must be accompanied at both events. Christmas Opening Times Thursday 24th Closed; Friday 25th Closed; Saturday 26th Closed; Monday 28th Closed; Wednesday 9.00am - 8.00pm; Thursday 31st 2.00pm - 8.00pm; Friday 1st January Closed; Saturday 2nd 9.00am - 1.00pm Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas!

Do you know someone who has had a home fire? If not, you are very fortunate – there are fires happening every day in the UK. It has been proved that home is a place where fires start most often. How can you keep safe at home then? There are many tips given for fire safety, some well known but some less so. Do you, for example, close the doors at night? By following the simple advice you can help to reduce the risk of having a fire in your home this winter. Smoke Alarms. Did you know you are twice as likely to die in a fire if you do not have a smoke alarm that works!!! This is the easiest way to protect your home and family from fire. However, there are still people who do not have them and do not realise its importance. Once fitted, test your smoke alarm weekly and replace its batteries once every 12 months. The kitchen is your home’s biggest fire hazard: over half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents. Remember that scalding temperatures and forgotten pans make a recipe for disaster so cook safely! Do not leave children and saucepans unattended. Take special care in this room and keep it clean, because greasy residue catches fire very easily. If you have a chip pan think about changing it for a deep fat fryer which is safer. Take care with candles. Do you know that more than 5 fires a day are started by

Also run on the night was the club‘s Image of the Year Competition where members chose the winner and this year it went to Martin Kemp for a superb picture of a Golden Eagle. Impressively Martin has now achieved this award for the second year running. You can see these winning photos and find out more about the club and joining it at www.castoncameraclub.co.uk or by calling Brian on 01953 488 477 (Caston by the way is so easy to get to being just 3 miles south of Watton off the A1075) candles? They are a real hazard. It‘s too easy to forget about them and go out or to bed. Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains. Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they are put out completely at night. Be Vigilant. Common causes of fire are: overloaded sockets, unattended matches or lighters, cigarettes that were not properly stubbed out, and appliances left on standby, so keep an eye out for these hazards. Make a bedtime check. As you are more at risk from fire when asleep it is good idea to check your home before you go to bed. Shut all your inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading. Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your freezer. Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them. What if the worst happens? Get out, stay out, and dial 999. Make sure everyone in the house knows the escape routes, and where to find door or window keys. Talk to your family about emergency procedures – how will they get out safely? Have your own ―Fire Plan.‖ Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service make sure our community is as safe from fire as possible. They offer free smoke alarm fits and free Home Fire Risk Checks to all residents of Norfolk, especially to elderly people over 65 years of age. For a free home fire risk check call us on free phone 0 800 9178137 or email: [email protected]. If you require further details on fire safety contact Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service on 01603 229023 or visit your local fire station. The phone number is also in the telephone book (not 999).

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during 2009, either by coming to our Fayres or adopting a cat/kitten from us. From all the volunteers and cats please have a happy Christmas. We have 31 kittens and 5 adults in our care at the moment and as we stop homing from 18th December to 2nd January we would like to find homes for the majority of them before then so that they are settled in their nice new homes by Christmas. This would mean we could take in some of the cats on our waiting list and they would have a warm bed and food during this cold, wet weather. Katy is a friendly girl and is 20 months old. She is vaccinated, neutered and micro chipped. Katy likes to drink from a running tap and sits on her fosterers walker to be pushed from room to room. She will come and have a fuss and likes being stroked but does not like to be picked up. Katy would like a home without other cats and no young children. If you would like a little companion please call us. 01842 810018

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 6

Letter from Australia Christmas at the I have by sheer necessity had to fight bushfires and I will admit they terrify me. On one occasion as I worked in a large paddock trying to extinguish flames in the long grass I saw a giant gum tree explode; it was as if it had been hit by lightning but instead was the oil inside the tree igniting in the same was as petrol does when it gets a flame. I have lost friends in the fires, one of whom took eight weeks to die from the extensive burns he received when blocked by a fence as the flames overtook him. When my son was younger he stood with a hose beside our house as the flames came with two metres of the home; we were lucky that day for on that day 173 people were killed and hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed. They were more than 100 bush fires reported throughout South Australia on November 20th, predominantly caused by more than 25,000 lightning strikes. The highest recorded temperature in Australia was a body shrivelling 50.7 C (123.3 F). That was in Oodnadatta in the far north of South Australia. During November the temperature in Adelaide set a new record with ten days over 35 degrees, rarely dropping below 25 at night. However the 35 degrees was an average and on several days the temperature exceeded 40 degrees. Many country towns north of Adelaide sat around 43 during the day and the Weather Bureau is predicting an above average hot summer for the whole continent. e-mail: [email protected] However, let us hope it will not be all doom and gloom. Already my wife and I are preparing for the Christmas lunch which will include the obligatory fresh prawns cooked on the barbeque along with cold cuts of Collection or Delivery. Valid on Mondays turkey and ham along with to Thursdays until 31st December 2009 fresh salads and enough Terms and Conditions apply champagne to cheer the day but not dull the mind. There is one thing my wife and I will do; we will raise a toast to our troops in Afghanistan remembering their courage. Perhaps you Voucher Terms and Conditions: You must mention the voucher might like to do the same when ordering and present the voucher when paying. Offers available for delivery are subject to a £1 delivery charge. too. Merry Christmas from the bottom of the world!

By Chris O’Connor And so it is Christmas and in many parts of Australia this year people will be on their guard like never before. There will be no forgetting the dreadful bushfires which ripped through parts of Victoria earlier this year killing 200 people and there is good reason not to forget; if the forecasters are correct this year is going to be far worse than any other year on record and as temperatures soar people will be watching the sky for any wisp of smoke that signals a fire has begun. In Adelaide (South Australia) where I live we have already experienced our hottest November on record with 10 days exceeding 35 degrees; on most nights the temperature dropped to 25 – not pleasant if you don‘t have air conditioning. My daughter in law lives on a farm 300 kilometres north of us and the other day the temperature reached 45 degrees. She

and her family are sheep and wheat farmers, farming thousands of acres of land – but one spark on a hot summer‘s day could write that all off in minutes, plus the $400,000 home they live in. Throughout the southern states of Australia we have all been warned this may be ‗the‘ season when firefighters will be unable to control a blaze and any sensible person (particularly those living in hills which are densely forested) have been told simply to pick up their important possessions plus animals and head to safety points where hopefully the fire will not reach. You don‘t realise how serious the situation is until you remember that the bushfire in Victoria earlier this year was on the edge of Melbourne our second largest city and if the wind and weather had not changed it would have entered the suburbs and caused even more serious damage.

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Country Market All the producers thank you, our customers, for your support and encouragement through the past year and wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. The market looks more festive every week as gift items, cards and special Christmas foods and jams appear on the stalls. As usual we shall be running a raffle during the first weeks of December and the draw will be made at the start of trading on 23rd December so the lucky winner can enjoy their prize before Christmas. Remember: we can answer many of your gift problems - etched glass, carved wood, toys, knitwear, bags, jewellery, plants, and greetings cards

of all kinds. We also have fresh eggs, poultry for Christmas (order at the egg stall), winter produce, jams, jellies, chutneys, sweets and baked goods for your festive table. Please try to let us have any special orders during the first week of the month: we need time to fill your requests to our usual high standard!! The Country Market takes place every Wednesday at the Watton Christian Community Centre and will close promptly at 11.30 a.m. on 23rd December and our producers will be taking a well earned winter break in January. The market reopens in the New Year at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010.

The Wayland Chamber of Commerce The Committee met on 21st October. It was agreed that the Chamber would again fund the cost of the Town Christmas Tree to be erected on 15 November. Discussion took place on a variety of issues affecting businesses at this time, particularly those in Watton High Street. Wayland Partnership Development Trust particularly feels that in the current financial climate continuing professional development is tending to be neglected. It was decided to invite Business Link to attend an Open meeting on 18th

November at Wayland House to which any local business is welcome to attend. Business Link is a FREE business advice and support service, available online and through local advisors. A donation was also agreed to Watton Senior Citizens Christmas Party. The next edition of the Information, Trade and Services Directory will be labelled 2010/2011 to reflect that it is published well into the calendar year. Heather Nunn, Secretary, Wayland House, High Street, Watton, IP25 6AR

Hackers, Tackers & Stuffers news On the 19th September twelve members had a most enjoyable day making a fabric rooster. On the 16th November nine of us met to construct a fabric monkey. Not only did we learn new skills but enjoyed good company and much laughter as we sewed. At the evening meeting on 20th October a member demonstrated needle felting with some very attractive results. On 24th November there will be another demonstration with an opportunity to make a ribbon Christmas decoration.

We have some exciting plans for 2010 including workshops led by nationally known professional tutors as well as others from within the membership. In March we are holding an open evening when we will welcome the return of Rob and Verona from Sew and So‘s in Bungay with fabrics for sale and an update of their charitable work with the orphanage in Thailand and the local Project Linus coordinators to whom we will hand over finished quilts for ill and traumatised children. Our annual Christmas lunch will be on 14th December. Details of our meetings and projects plus some photographs can be found on our blog at htsqgroup.blogspot.com If you are not yet online and require information call Sue on 01362 822536. We continue to meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, apart from August in Watton Christian Community Centre in the High Street from 79p.m.

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Book Week at Watton Westfield

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 7 Holme Hale Pavilion

Ch rist mas Bazaar Saturday December 5th 10am Art/craft stalls ~ live music ~ raffle ~ Grand Draw ~ games ~ cake stall & more! Refreshments available. plus Santa with a difference! Free admission. See you there!

ANDREW HYDE BUILDING CONTRACTOR Refurbs

New BuildsExtensions Maintenance

Telephone: 01953 451458 Mobile: 0788 784 7588

Picture: Submitted The pupils of Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School have enjoyed a busy and interesting ‗Book Week‘. They have had a visit from the famous children‘s author Nicola Baxter, who taught them all about writing, editing and printing books. They have had visits to the town library to look around and listen to

stories. The school would like to thank Jane the community librarian for her help and gifts of stickers, pens and book marks for the children. Some older pupils from Watton Junior School came to read to the Reception classes and the older children at Westfield visited the Junior School‘s super library.

The children have had an amazing time bringing their story book characters to life in writing, drawing, painting, cooking and even dressing up to look like them. Some of the children are pictured above in costume. The school would like to thank the parents for all their excellent support with this special week.

Christmas news from Diabetes UK Saham Toney Pre-School Well, Christmas is here again and this is always a busy time of year for the children at pre-school. They will be busy doing Christmas craft activities and practising for this year‘s Christmas Sing-along! Thank you to those of you who have brought in your Morrisons vouchers. We have collected 352 which will go towards small gardening items. We have also had a compost bin donated by a member of the community. The Pre-school is proud to report that we have been awarded a Safer Workplace, Better Business Award from Breckland Council. We are only 1 of 5 o r ga n i s a t i o n s t o r e c e i ve t h i s , highlighting our commitment to the health and safety of our children, staff and volunteers. We are also pleased to report that the pre-school was successful in its application for a Sustainability Grant from Norfolk County Council. This money is strictly to be used for the day to day running costs of the preschool, however we will be applying for a further ‗Quality‘ grant to buy new outdoor and indoor equipment soon. So far this term we have raised £277.59 thanks to the Car boot, Race Night, Clairvoyant Evening and the Halloween Activity Day. The fence pencil sponsorship scheme has been very successful raising a grand total of £176 to date. Look out for the new brightly

coloured pencils soon! If you have not yet sponsored a pencil but would like to do so, you still can. It is £2 per child, £5 per individual or £10 per business. Visit our website at www.sahamtoneypreschool.co.uk . The pre-school has also signed up to a new online fundraising scheme through easyfundraising.org.uk. This is free service where you can choose from over 2000 of the UK's best-known retailers including many popular names such as Amazon, Next, Argos, M&S, John Lewis and HMV, and when you shop using the links on the site up to 15% from every purchase you make is donated to the Pre-school. To use this service: 1) Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk . 2) Click on the ‗Find a cause‘ tab 3) Under S – find ―Saham Toney PreSchool – Thetford‖ 4) Register under this cause 5) Start Shopping We have only a few spaces available at the moment but if you have a child who is two or over (or soon to be two) and would be interested in finding out more about our excellent Pre-School, then please speak to Lisa, our Supervisor, on 07749 756831, alternatively you can email [email protected] . Finally we would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Our meeting in November was our AGM. 25 members attended and we welcomed a new member too. We have had a good year, with more new members and more advertising, (thank you to all the people who let me put posters up in their premises every month!). Some new members learn about us from people in the group, others from the posters and contacting me, so despite what John & Rod say I must be doing something right!! The committee was voted in again "en masse" and we also welcomed two of our members onto the committee too. We also paid tribute to two of our founder members who passed away earlier this year, Jim Dutton in March and Flo Jones in June. They will be sadly missed. I would like to thank all the people who attended our stands at the Carnival and Christmas Market this year. On a personal note, I would also like to thank the Chair and the fellow members of the committee for their support over the past year. It is much appreciated. Our final meeting of the year, on December 14th, is our Christmas Party. There is no speaker, just a chance for the committee to thank all members for their contributions throughout the year with a Christmas theme! On that note on behalf of the group, I would like to wish your readers a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year. Also a big thank you to the Pentecostal Church for the continued use of their premises. Our next meeting will be on January 11th @ 10.15 am, at the above named Church. Please phone Helen on 01953 884713 for more information.

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 8

It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 [email protected]

WATTON PHARMACY CHRISTMAS ROTA Thursday 24th Dec Christmas Eve Total Health Pharmacy 8am - 8.30pm Boots 8.30am - 5.30pm Friday 25th Dec Christmas Day Total Health Pharmacy Closed Boots Closed Saturday 26th Dec Boxing Day Total Health Pharmacy Closed Boots 8.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 27th Dec Total Health Pharmacy 8am - 8.30pm Boots Closed Monday 28th Dec Bank Holiday Total Health Pharmacy 12.30pm - 2.30pm Boots Closed Thursday 31st Dec New Years Eve Total Health Pharmacy 8am - 8.30pm Boots 8.30am - 5.30pm Friday 1st January New Years Day Total Health Pharmacy Closed Boots Closed Saturday 2 January Total Health Pharmacy 8am - 8.30pm Boots 8.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 3 January Total Health Pharmacy 8am - 8.30pm Boots Closed N.B. This information was the best available to us at the time of going to press but MAY be subject to change.

Total Health: 01953 881157 Boots: 01953 881258

In the garden with Lotta Potts Ovington December - Or should that be Decembrrrrr? There is a delusion that December is days of crisp blue sky and frosty nights. The reality is more likely to be damp or rainy days and similar nights, only dark. This month has depressingly shorter days in the runup to the big one - no, not Christmas but the shortest day. After that we can plant onions on Boxing Day! You can still plant and move deciduous shrubs and trees. A good one is roses as they arrive as miserable bits of stick that give you beautiful blooms and scent in June. Maybe an ‗occasion‘ rose could be added to your Christmas list. Many of the established ones like apple, pear, acer, birch and vine should be pruned before Christmas to prevent bleeding. A warmer task is putting the seed order together. The table is covered with catalogues and then the fun starts. Now the seed merchants really sell their wares. Each variety looks better than the last and the new varieties promise better results with finer tasting crops than ever known in the history of the world. So you think, 'I must try that' and 'that looks a must have'. By the end of the process you have a list as long as your arm and a bill that would give the bank manager apoplexy, not to mention a very large estate to accommodate it all. Time for a cup of tea or something stronger and a rethink! Be firm and cut things down to a reasonable

number of veg you actually eat or flowers you like. You really don't want 8 packets of carrot seeds. One early and one main crop are going to be more than enough. Ignore the advice to get fresh seed every year so don't neglect those half packets you have in the cupboard. If you've kept them cool, dry and dark many seeds retain their ability to germinate for more than one season. One exception - it is alleged that old parsnip seeds are never any good. This is not necessarily the case as I have spoken to people who have successfully grown seed ‗past its sell by date‘. As there are 2000 seeds in the average packet it surely has to be worth a go. On the subject of content, most seed packets hold enough to cover entire villages with flowers or veg but in recent years suppliers have acknowledged the fact that those little brown bits of dust will keep for a year or two and put ‗sow by‘ dates on the packets. This is an improvement but still, there are far too many for the average garden or even allotment. Your bean seeds will be good for another year and your carrots and tomatoes will last another beyond that. Most of your brassicas are good for 4 or 5 years and cucumbers 7. I read of a packet of courgette seeds once that were 7 years old. As an experiment, they were sowed the whole packet and guess what? Yes, they all came up! This is good for flower seeds as

well. After we moved house and shed I found some seed packets dated well before 2000. As a listener to Gardeners‘ Question Time I had heard Bob Flowerdew recommend testing old seeds by sowing a few in a tray of compost. I gave it a go and lo and behold up they came. Next problem, where to put them as I couldn‘t possibly throw out plants that were actually thriving. Goes against the gardening grain doesn‘t it? Same sainted Bob also recommended throwing out any packets dated before 2000... Another fun job for December is to write your Christmas list. Do you really need some more socks? Thought not. If you have room or a greenhouse with power a heated propagator is a perfect present. If no greenhouse is available, a light windowsill out of strong sunshine (in December?) is good - in the spare bedroom perhaps. Your guests might be a little startled, but if they know you well enough to stay under your roof they know you are a gardener. The always welcome present is a pair of secateurs. Ignore the expert who abides by the top of the range. These are expensive and just as prone to being mislaid as the cheaper versions. A garden journal and the discipline to keep it up is a two-for-one - gift and New Year Resolution. This is my favourite. May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas Bazaar Don't forget to come along to Ovington Village Hall on Saturday 5 December between 12 and 3 to join in with the fun at the Christmas Bazaar. All the usual attractions, some beautiful crafts (ideas for Christmas gifts!) plus lunch in the 'Soup Kitchen'. What more could you want to brighten a dull winter's day? All proceeds from this event are split between the Village Hall and Ovington Church.

Macmillan coffee morning thanks The coffee morning held at 95, Nelson Court, raised £245.45. Our thanks to everyone who supported the event either by attending or by giving donations. Particular thanks to our helpers on the day - Sue and Trevor Bunce, Jill Beech, Beryl Brannan, Ann Akister and Pam Challand. Sue also kindly donated one of her pictures and guessing the cat's name created considerable interest and swelled the coffers accordingly. Many thanks, Sue! Dave and Jenny Simons.

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 9

Rotary Roundup On 12th November, the Watton Rotary Club had Charlie Davis as a guest at its weekly meeting. Charlie (just 18) lives in Watton and went to Wayland Community High School. He is now in his final year at Wymondham College and told us he is hoping for a university place to read geography in Autumn 2011 after a gap year. He has successfully applied to The Project Trust (based in Argyll) to spend a year teaching maths and science in a poor and primitive area in Guyana. Although he will be paid by the government of Guyana, albeit at the low local rate, he still has to raise some £4,600 for his training, travel, insurance and so on. If anyone would like to know more or is willing to help Charlie, he can be contacted on 01953 885917 or through Watton Rotary. All donations are channelled through The Project Trust. [The picture shows Charlie being congratulated by President Richard for his confident presentation at such a young age]. Our Christmas activities include a Disco Party at the Watton Sports Centre on Saturday 12th December. Although mainly aimed at the younger generation, the organisers have said that the disco will be playing all kinds of music so there should be something for everybody. Tickets are just £5.00; they

can be obtained from Paul We a t h e r i l l on 07930 565026 or Gary at Gary‘s Plaice (fish & chips shop), High St, Watton: 01953 881116. There will be a bar and raffle, and the event is in aid of the Teso Development Trust, a charity that builds wells and manages clean water projects in the Teso area of Uganda (for more information about this cause see webpage: www.teso.org.uk Once again some of our members will be out on Christmas Day morning assisting Father Christmas delivering special presents to special people. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this particular service can take their readywrapped presents to Watton Post Office by midday Saturday 19th December. Parcels should be clearly marked with recipients name and full address (incl postcode to help FC find locations

Missus P J set thar, why she hatter hev tew nearms fer I dunt know. She say ―Hello Sidney‖ (she allus tork posh) ―Wot dew yew wont‖ I reckon thet ware a daft qwestun, cos yew dunt goo in tew tha doctas fer a tin o peas, dew ya?. I towld har tha missus wos suffin bad an she orta see a docta. She say ―Hev yew got an apointment?‖ I say ―No‖ She say ―Yew cant see a docta wi‘out an apointment‖ I say ―Less hev one then‖ She say ―No‖ I say ―Woi‖ She say ―Cos ya gotta phoon up afore half arter nine, else yew carnt hev one‖ I say ―Ire bin tryin tew dew thet since afore brekfass, but thet dint git me anywheres‖ She say ―Dunt blearm me I ony wuk hare‖ I give har a rite owl luk and she say ―Yew mite be able tew see tha narse‖ I say ―Rite oh, when?‖ She say ―Week Tharsda‖ My hart I ware gittin suffen raw, and I give har one o them looks thet my missus say tarns milk sour. Missus P J looked like she were gooner blah then, so I hossed over to the chemist an got a bottle o fisik, then corled inta Steve tha bootcher and he giv me a grate ole lump o goose fat, ta rub on har chist yew unnerstand. Anyhow she wos sune up n abowt n given me an earful, so I rekon tha ole medsins are tha best. Corse were had anutha o them ole hot grub nites in tha willage hall, my missus she say ―Yew arnt hevin any tea cos yew ont eat yar dinner in tha hall‖ I say ―Wot about my forses?‖ ―Well ony one pork pie then‖ she say. Thas gitten poplar an we had trubble gitten all tha starvin peeple in thru tha door. Horry he say ―Allus new tha owld pitch fork wud cum in handy agin‖ I dunt

A Christmas Festival Designs by Breckland Flower & Garden Club and Friends of Saint Andrews Church. Thursday 3rd - Monday 7th December 11am - 3pm daily. Sunday Festival Carols and Readings at 4pm Christmas Craft Stall Proceeds to Saint Andrews and Air Ambulance

Picture: Submitted quickly – yes, he is right up to date with the technology!). There is a small cover charge of just £1 per item, payable when depositing parcels. Finally, readers and the public at large have been really generous and supportive during this past year. Many individuals and charities, locally and worldwide, have been supported through the funds Rotary has raised with your help, and we thank you for this. A very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to you all. Martin Anscombe

The Ovington Crower Dear Sah Well, how ya gittin on tergitha, thas a tarned cowld leartly, I reckon thas cos we tarned them ole clocks back, thas if‘n yew ‗membered to do it. Old Horry he dunt bother, he say ―Wen thas lite Ile git up, when thas dark Ile goo in‖ So I say ―Wot about ya dinna bor?‖ he say ―Well I dunt need no clock to tellus wen to eat, my belly dew that‖ He like tu kearp things simple du Horry. I see them from thet ole fish and no chip shop in tha willage got theirselves on tha telly larst month. Dint reckon much onnit meself, but they did git a grat ole pitcher of boy Barry‘s shid, an thet wore afor he pearnted it tew, I bet he‘s rare pleased, and I reckon he‘ll hafta charge fer his taters next year now. I dunt know abowt yew but we hev had a marsta crop o apples this year, me an tha missus hev bin a hossin them inta us fast as yew loike, cos my ole granny allus sed thet a apple a day kep thet ole dokta away. Weell thas as maybe but thet dint wuk fer my missus cos she wor took suffin queer, got an ole tissick wot wunt goo away, then blarst me ifn she dint loos har chatta, coont say a wud. Well thas a gitten serius now so I got on tha phoon tew tha doctas sargry. Thas a rummin int it, thet little owld mawther kep a sayin du yew press tha butten fer this, n press anutha fer thet, then she say ―We know yer awaitin‖ but dint dew northen abowt it, then to hell ifen she dint start a playin moosic. I dint think the sargry were big enuf fer a band ta be a playin. Howsumeva I wus fed up wi alla tha squit so I got on tha owld bike and hossed up tew tha sargry tew ha a wud wi tha docta hisself. Wen I went up agin tha cownta ole

Saint Andrews Quidenham

reckon summa the new folk wos best pleased wi Horry‘s method of perswashun! Ya gotta hand it tew tha mawthers wot dew tha cookin, thar know the way tew a mans hart, an orl tha blooks went hoom hed oova heels in luv thet nite fer sure. We hed a whule lotta difrunt food, sum wos a bit forren but tearsted orlrite, then there wos a lotta owld fashuned dishes thet stuck tew yor ribs, there were plenty o taters n grearvy, a pleart ful o swimmers, (one or tew sinkers an orl) sossiges, faggots n peas, cor blarst we et till we nearly bust. Horry bort along sum o his beer wot he meark in his shid, thas a good job tha lites ware a bit dim cos there wor suffin floatin in tha beer thet yew dint wonta know about. Thet tearsted wery nice tho, but yew dint hafta hev more than tew afore yew wos fallin orfa yar chair. We‘re orl lookin forward tew tha next big feast, but I expec we shall hatter waert until arta Christmas now. Tha owld bonfire nite wos a bit quiet this year, tha only fire I saw wos Horry‘s, he allus searve up all his ole rubbish and hev a grate owld fire on Nov 5th, he say ―Ole Missus P can‘t keep a mobbin about tha smook when there‘s fires orl oover the plearce‖ Horry wos wrong tha year, his wos the oonly fire in the willage, so Missus P was a bangin on his front door afore the fire went out. Horry hed orlready gone up tha pub, wen he saw which way the wind wos a blowin. I see tha boy Julian hev given tha old pearper a new name, hoop thet warnt suffin I sed. Well thas time for suppa, so I‘ll say fare yew well together, an dew yew keep a‘troshin. Boy Sid.

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 10

Massage Treatments Swedish Massage and Hot Stone Massage

Air Cadets Rock

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For the second time this year cadets from 864 (Watton) were off to Gibraltar for some fun in the sun. Cadet Warrant Officer Rachel Fincham and Flight Sergeant Louise D‘Aeth were part of a 30 strong party from the Air Cadet Organisation staying at RAF Gibraltar. The air cadets spent a week discovering the history and culture of Gibraltar and southern Spain as well the work of the RAF and all the British Forces based in Gibraltar. Cadet Warrant Officer Rachel Fincham said, ―This was my second visit to Gibraltar this year, after having such a great time earlier in

the year. I really enjoyed doing some different things this time around, especially the safari park!‖ The air cadets had a fun and informative time discovering the roles and duties of the Royal Navy, Royal Gibraltar Regiment and Royal Air Force in the historic military base. Long rewarding days saw the cadets take the Gun Turret tour, the Mediterranean Steps and Ape and Cable Car walks. The local ATC Squadron hosted the camp cadets for an evening of initiative exercises. However, the camp was not just about Gibraltar and the cadets and staff visited Seville and Selwo

Aventura Safari Park on the Costa del Sol. It was not all cultural either and they had plenty of time for fun with visits to a large water park near Seville and evening spare time was spent playing sport and sunbathing on the beach. Other fun time included Ten Pin Bowling, ice skating and the usual shopping trips. Flight Sergeant Louise D‘Aeth said, ―I had a fantastic time, it was the best camp I have been on and I am not letting the hungry, cheeky Rock Ape who stole my bag of Hula Hoops spoil it! ―I am looking forward to more foreign travel with the air cadets.‖

Watton Relief in Need Charity The Trustees of this Charity will be meeting on the 9th December to consider applications from residents of Watton for financial support this Christmas. It is hoped, therefore, that applicants will contact the Clerk to the Trustees prior to that date so that the Trustees can fulfil their duties. The Charity is an amalgamation of Charities set up many years ago to support those in need. The Trustees have a duty to distribute the income of the Charity to relieve, either generally or individually, persons resident in the town of Watton who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress by making grants of

money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such persons. Institutions or organisations which provide or undertake in return to provide items, services or facilities for such persons may also benefit. In the past few years, grants have, in the main, consisted of support for the elderly to help with the extra costs of Christmas and/or heating costs. However, the Trustees are most willing to consider applications from other age groups provided they are residents of Watton and they are in conditions of need, hardship or

Ashill WI Annual Carol Concert Ashill Community Centre

With Watton Silver Band In aid of Cancer research UK

3pm Sunday 13th December Adults £1 Children 50p To include homemade refreshments

distress. No preference is given to any section of the community but there will be times when applicants will be required to give full personal financial details and provide whatever information the Trustees require before decisions can be made. Any information given will be treated in the strictest confidence. Applications for assistance should be addressed to:Derek I Smith, Clerk to the Trustees - Watton Relief In Need Charity, 39 Dereham Road Watton IP25 6ER Tel: 01953 884044 Email: [email protected]

Norfolk Wildlife Trust To ask a question about the Norfolk’s Wildlife please call the Norfolk Wildlife Information Service. Wildline 01603 598333 9am to 5pm Mon - Fri. E-mail [email protected] Website http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections Further details and Membership enquiries 01953 498467 Tuesday 15th December 7.45pm to 9.30pm. A Talk Conserving the Wensum Valley for Wildlife and People. A talk by Steve Daliston of the Wensum Valley Trust followed by Seasonal Buffet, refreshments and raffle. Venue: Watton Christian Community Centre, High Street, Watton. Cost £5 members and £6 non-members for NWT funds. Note: Next group meeting will be on Tuesday, 16th March, 2010.

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Useful information Question - I had a long journey to make and because it is usually cheaper to travel by coach rather than rail, I tried to book a ticket for myself and my wheelchair with a coach company. However, they were unable to accommodate me because their coaches had not as yet been updated to being wheelchair friendly. I thought all travel companies now had to comply with the Disability Discrimination Regulations? Answer - All bus and coach operators have to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 but they do have a time period in which they do have to comply. In respect of coaches compliance has to be met by 2020. Progress is being made, for example, in 2008 approximately 62% of all local service buses have met compliance for low floor and accessibility requirements. Question - Do you know where I can buy shoes for my elderly Father who has a left foot that is not the same size as his right foot? In addition he also has a skin problem so needs footwear that is soft rather than hard. Answer - A company called Simple Way is a small business, established for over thirty years in Newcastle upon Tyne. They make their own shoes and can make shoes for a person with odd sized feet which do not have any stiffeners in and are non irritant. Question - My elderly Father lives on the South Coast. Although I visit him once a month I am not able to go over during the week and this is causing problems if he is not well. Last time when he said he was poorly, I rang his surgery to arrange a home visit, but this was refused. Can I insist that his GP comes out to see him as he is over eighty years of age? Answer - The decision to make a home visit rests entirely with the GP. Most GPs will agree to visit patients who would find it difficult to get to the surgery but is it the GP who decides on the course of action, to visit or not, but he/she is obliged to justify the reason for not making a visit. It may be a good idea to speak to the surgery to see if there are any volunteer car schemes in the area which your Father could make use of at such times. Question - I have a disabled son who in 2010 would like to go to university. My husband and I have always helped him get ready for school each day and we again are here to help him when he returns as he need help with some of his personal care and with other aspects of his life. We are trying to find out if there would be any help available for him should he go to university? Answer - The Government recognises that English students with a disability are likely to have additional needs and therefore the Disabled Students' Allowances provide extra financial help and are available on top of the standard student finance package. The Disabled Students‘ Allowance does not have to be repaid. The Allowance is available to eligible students who are studying full-time, part-time and also postgraduate students can apply. Information supplied by Able Community Care, The Old Parish Rooms, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8TZ Website: www.uk-care.com

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Watton’s best kept secret for Christmas surprises With Christmas fast approaching, we all need a little inspiration when it comes to finding that special gift for friends and family. Venture just a few minutes‘ walk from the High Street and find inspiration with Total Health Pharmacy. Situated opposite the Watton Medical Practice, the pharmacy has a wide range of gifts and present ideas for Christmas and all year round. Choose from bags, scarves and jewellery and luxurious gift sets for a real treat. There are delightful music boxes and snow globes and a magical gathering of fairies specially captured in jars! Beautiful glass and fragrant candles and diffusers make a gift with a difference. Or choose from cheeky mugs, jigsaws and a host of stocking fillers as well as some very bold Christmas decorations – just watch out for the moose! There is so much to choose from but if you can‘t decide what to buy, gift vouchers are available and can be redeemed at Total Health Pharmacy and also Total Health Therapy. Total Health Pharmacy is open 7 days a week from 8am until late.

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 11

Students share stage with Diversity

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Picture: Submitted Sixth Form Students and Dance Group (L to R) Francesca Izzo, Charlotte Buck, Jescina Thorpe and Hayley Briggs. Four Attleborough High Students are celebrating their success after being one of the lucky acts chosen to perform in Norwich last week. Hayley Briggs, Francesca Izzo, Jescina Thorpe and Charlotte Buck who are all Sixth Formers at the school enjoyed the excitement of sharing the stage with ‗Britain‘s Got Talent‘ winners ‗diversity‘ after

winning a competition to perform through ‗Heart Radio‘ during the Christmas Light switch-on. The four skilled dancers were thrilled to be chosen for this event. The initial thrill of their success was followed by weeks of hard work devising their dance routine and rehearsing their presentation to ensure that the large audience saw

a superb performance from the girls. After the performance at Chapelfield the girls were exhilarated, having enjoyed the support of friends and family and the enthusiasm of the large crowd that came to watch them. They commented: ‖It was an amazing experience and we wish we could do it again.‖

Watton Festival 2009 The aim of the ninth Watton Festival, which ended on October 31st, was to celebrate the interest and enthusiasm for the arts of all interested individuals and groups in Watton and the surrounding district, and to give the opportunity for local people of all ages to enjoy high quality professional performances. Judging from the favourable comments received by the Committee the Aim was achieved and the Festival was a resounding success. The professional performances were augmented by the wealth of local talent that helped to produce the two productions of The Good Old Days. Once again, the format of Peter Walmsley as the Chairman and a varied programme put together by the Producers and Directors of the Show, Ken & Brenda Davis proved to be a recipe for success. An excellent start to the week‘s festivities. Junior Startime, organised by Jenny Mann, was again popular and attracted many talented young people. A capacity audience appreciated the work that went into the making of a first class talent show. Other highlights of the week included the Viennese Gala Evening starring Keith Hobday and his Strictly Strings Orchestra, the film shows presenting ―The Wind in the Willow‖ and ―The Philadelphia Story‖ and ―The Feathers, Flounces and Fantastic Rhythms‖ evening which included Jose Ferrera and Afrocan‘s Afro Cuban music. The two one-man show evenings were particularly well received.

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First we had Robert Lloyd Parry producing ‗moments of pleasing terror‘ with his two ghost stories by M R James, and then Alison Neil bringing to the Queens Hall stage the true story of a group of Ladies of Quality in Georgian London who determined to make Shakespeare fashionable. Thursday was a very busy day with a most successful return visit by Professor Jingles with his Punch & Judy and Magic Show. The Show was so well received by the adults in attendance that thoughts of an evening‘s entertainment were voiced. In the afternoon a good audience loved Doreen Reed with her Facts, Fibs & a Pinch of Salt. Her amusing poems and tales of everyday life caused many a titter and indeed full blown laughter. Norfolk‘s own Pam Ayers. This was the first Festival to include a full comedy evening and we were lucky in having Winston, The Singing Farmer. He hit just the right spot and provided an evening of fun and laughter. Now that‘s what I call diversifyin‘, boy. My own special favourite of the week was Chris Smith and the String of Pearls Orchestra. From the first Glenn Miller number, through tunes and songs made famous by Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and others too numerous to mention I was hooked. An evening to remember and savour. Another first for the Festival and a real success this year was The Big Picture. The Art Project was based on the lines of a Rolf Harris TV Show where a painting, in our case a Lowry, was divided into squares

and painted by different people. The result was quite impressive as were the other pictures produced and designed by pupils at Wayland Community High School. The Library joined in with activities for the younger children and the Wayland Partnership ‗chipped in‘ with Touch Wood - an Exhibition of Art in Wood. We also welcomed George Cushing with his Bursen Street Organ on the first Saturday morning in Chaston Place. The Festival Committee were able to thank Friends, Sponsors and helpers at the start of the Festival when they were invited to the Launch Party and were entertained by Annette Jude & Suzie Turner. Breckland Council Community Festivals Fund sponsored the Art Project. Watton & District Rotary Club (Junior Startime) and Breckland Funeral Services (The Good Old Days) were the other Event Sponsors whilst Adcock & Sons, Bowes of Norfolk Ltd, Broom Hall Country Hotel, Green Cuisine Food Products Ltd, Mike Harper Tax & Accountancy Services and W F Smith & Co were our General Sponsors. Our helpers are really too numerous to mention individually but perhaps particular mention should be made to John Reed for his Lighting expertise, Roy Ivory (Sound), Martin Anscombe (Festival sign)and his staff at the Tourist Information Centre for their help with ticket sales, Janet Lundie for the Web-site and the production of posters, the Queens Hall personnel, particularly Rita and George, and last but not least the Friends of Watton Festival. The overall result of this year‘s

Festival has given the Committee members great satisfaction and the knowledge that their hard work and careful planning over a two year period was not wasted. A Biennial General Meeting will be held at The Crown Hotel on Wednesday 27th January, 2010 when the results of this year‘s Festival will be published and the future discussed. All interested persons will be welcome. I shall be reminding the Friends in the New Year that they have voting rights for a new Committee if the Meeting decides to proceed with another Festival in two year‘s time. If you have any suggestions, criticisms, advice, views or whatever concerning the Festival activities now is the time to speak out. Please come to the General Meeting or contact any of the following: Chairman & Secretary: John & Judy Kerr 01953 882613; ViceChairman: Brenda Davis 01953 881792; Treasurer & Friends‘ Secretary: Derek Smith 01953 884044. In the centre spread of this issue of The Mid-Norfolk Times there are photographs of most of the events but have a glance at the Web-site on http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ wattonarts or Google ―Watton Festival‖. It is a good reminder of a most successful week. If further reminders are required the following sites are worth a visit www.nunkie.co.uk (Robert Lloyd Parry), www.alisonneil.co.uk , www.bryanclarke.co.uk (Professor Jingles), www.singingfarmer.co.uk and www.stringofpearls.co.uk. (Derek I Smith, November 2009)

Try our Traditional Sunday Lunch Discounts for large bookings always negotiable

Children Always Welcome

80 Brandon Road, Watton. Tel: 01953 882752

DY-FIT FOR LIFE EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASSES Watton Sports Centre, Dereham Road. All the sessions are designed to promote stamina, strength and flexibility whilst taking into account the fitness level and ability of participants.

General Aerobics Mondays 7pm An hour long, as energetic as you wish!**

Nifty Fifties

Fridays 11am

A challenging workout for "recycled teenagers"**

Gentle Option Fridays 10am 40 minutes duration, no floorwork. Problems such as arthritis and joint replacement are taken into account.

Please note the current term ends on Tuesday 15th December (the last class is the 2pm NiftyFifties at Hingham Sports Hall) ** Please bring a mat for floorwork

For further details, please contact

Diane Cuthbert

01953 850275 RSA/YMCA Qualified Teacher

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Short Story

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 13

Scraunge’s Boots by Lindsay Keir-Wise Mr Bertram Small was a mild mannered man who lived in comfortable retirement with his wife, Bessie, occupying a pleasant house in what they considered one of the nicest parts of rural England. They both enjoyed gardening, and although Mrs Small's contribution was almost entirely supervisory, nothing gave them more pleasure than to survey t h e i r h a nd i wo r k fr o m t h e conservatory or from the patio where they would take tea on sunny afternoons. Mr Small would be regarded by many as an ideal husband. He was industrious in the home environment, but deferred to Mrs Small in all domestic matters. Whilst he did not always agree with her administrative decisions, he had learned to bend with the wind. Mrs Bessie Small, however, had two sources of discontent in her life. The one concerning Mr Small's lack of advancement during his long service in the Audit Office was common knowledge in the family. Lesser men had been promoted, she said, and he had spent much of his time sorting out their mistakes. He should have asserted himself more. But this advice did not, of course, obtain in the home environment. The other source of discontent was a secret and irrational one. Some years ago she had been shopping in a department store, but the dress she favoured was not at that time held in stock. 'Would Madam care to leave her name?' asked the smart saleslady. She did. Mrs Small was, and is, an optimistic size 22, and the slow smile that played about the lips of the saleslady and her young assistant cut her to the very soul. She avoided giving her name whenever possible thereafter. Her maiden name had been Hammond, and though she would deny it, even to herself, she secretly blamed her husband for diminishing her status and leaving her open to ridicule. Mr Small was ignorant of this unhealed wound, and would probably have shown only mild surprise if it were revealed to him. But he himself, in spite of what I have said about his character and the apparent harmony of their existence, was an angry man. He did not vent his spleen on any of the targets primed by the popular press for our vilification; not the government or the Health Service, nor yet the fat cats of industry, but on one cat in particular. The object of Mr Small's anger was Scraunge, a malevolent off-marmalade tomcat who lived over there somewhere, but who regarded Mr Small's well-kept garden as his personal playground. Each day he would stroll in and amuse himself catching imaginary butterflies, scratching up the seedlings, sunbathing in the salvias, doing his poopies in the poppies and reducing Mr Small to heartpounding, eye-popping fury. There was a time when a clap of the hands and a cry of 'Shoo!' would send him scurrying, but Scraunge grew bolder and more insolent as time went by. On one occasion Mr Small leaped from his chair waiving his arms and shouting, and advanced to within a yard of the animal, who merely sneered over his shoulder and sauntered into the shrubbery. Mr Small was furious that he

should be reduced to such indignity, and Mrs Small was even more furious, because Mr Small, unmindful of the proximity of the neighbours, had been so carried away as to unleash a torrent of invective more suitable to the barrack-room or the football terraces than to the normal quietude of a country garden. Mrs Small was mortified. 'Wherever did you learn such language, Bertie?' she asked. 'I've never heard anything like it, not even on the telly!' The neighbourhood was rich in retired solicitors and ladies from the Inner Wheel, and she was sure that if Mr Small's outburst had been overheard, she would never live it down. Mr Small was apologetic. 'It just slipped out,' he said. He resolved to keep his anger in check, but the very next day, when he removed his garden boots on the kitchen steps, Scraunge appeared, strolling unconcernedly not a dozen paces from where he stood. Mr Small silently took aim, and with practice

born of many hours on the bowling green, hurled one of his boots to pass close to the ear of the surprised Scraunge, who turned quickly away to head for the six foot close-board fence. As he did so, Mr Small let fly with the other boot, skilfully flicking it heel over toe so that it landed a foot behind the animal's tail in the verisimilitude of a herd of rampant buffalo. At this, Scraunge took off like a rocket, clearing the fence with ease with all four legs akimbo like those flying squirrels you sometimes see in the National Geographic Magazine. Mr Small was very pleased to have found so effective a weapon and decreed that thenceforth his older pair of cast-off garden boots would be designated Scraunge's Boots, and would have a permanent place of readiness under the garden seat on the patio. Mrs Small, who had witnessed the display, and who was secretly pleased to see this more dominant side of Mr Small's nature, concurred. For some weeks Mr Small appeared to be getting the upper hand. His skill increased and he was able to lob the first boot to land a little in front of the cat, and then, as the animal veered off in a new direction, place the herd of rampant buffalo where it would cause the maximum confusion and disarray. Mrs Small complained that the destruction wrought among the flowerbeds by Scraunge's Boots was greater than that by the cat himself. Mr Small would have none of this defeatist talk. He muttered something about friendly fire and how you

couldn't kill chickens without breaking some eggs, a sentiment he attributed to Mr Churchill. Scraunge, however, had obviously thought about the situation, and it was not long before he came up with a new tactic. One night – or rather, in the early hours of the morning – he presented himself at the front of the house, strolling up and down the driveway, switching the security lights on and off and howling as only a nocturnal cat can. When, for the umpteenth time, Mr Small flung open the bedroom window to hiss and shoo in an attempt to see him off, Scraunge stood his ground and stared balefully up at him. He knew his Boots were round the back. The next morning, a tired Mr Small resolved on a more drastic plan. He sat on the patio seat with the Boots on his lap, pretending to be asleep while Mrs Small busied herself in the kitchen. Scraunge's first incursion was a tentative one, but seeing the somnolent Mr Small – whose pretence had by now become a reality

– he ranged further afield. He jumped in and out of the cold frame, and was about to enter the open door of the greenhouse, when Mr Small awoke with a start and loosed off a hurried and ill-judged boot. He stared aghast as it sailed high in the air, heel over toe, to land with a crash and a tinkling of horticultural glass. The cat retreated a little and stopped to stare at the destruction, but this was his undoing, for Mr Small, realising that he had the other boot in his hand, was galvanised into action. Scraunge leaped away only just in time to avoid a fearful blow, and in his haste made for the end of the garden that was bordered by a twelve foot quick-thorn hedge. The hedge was judged impenetrable by all but the smallest bird, but it was too late for Scraunge to change direction – he marshalled all his strength for a mighty leap, landed half way up, and then, with a slow over-arm crawl, disappeared from Mr Small's view. Mr Small inspected first the shattered panes of his greenhouse, and the lacerated tomato plants inside, and then the site of Scraunge's exit. He was somewhat mollified to find several handfuls of ginger fluff, and peering into the darkness of the hedge, saw that there was a good deal more deposited within. Mrs Small had come out by now and seeing the destruction of the greenhouse was about to berate her husband for his foolishness. Mr Small silenced her with a wave of his hand. 'See this!' he cried, throwing the gathered fluff

to the ground. 'There is enough there to make a new cat!' 'Good Heavens, Bertie,' she said, 'you've never killed him?' 'I bloody hope so,' replied Mr Small grimly. Mr Small was not normally a bloodthirsty man, and cruelty to animals in any other person would distress him. He was against blood sports on principle and would always leave out pieces of bacon rind on his bird table, cutting it first into easily digested morsels with the kitchen scissors. It is just when anger is upon a man he loses a sense of reason and proportion. I can record that Scraunge, who in his home circle was known as Timmy, reached the loving arms of his family, distressed and somewhat bedraggled, but he was cosseted and nursed back to health with cream and proprietary whale meat enhanced with vitamins. Had he been a philosophical cat, which he was not, he may have reflected on the fate of the whale whose sacrifice was instrumental in his recovery. He would certainly have pondered the injustice that had brought him to his current sorry condition, particularly as his grandfather, also known as Timmy, had been free to play and hunt in the fields thereabouts long before Mr Small and his bungalow had appeared on the scene. But he, the current Timmy, after the trauma of the impenetrable hedge, was content to lie on the window ledge and idle the days away. Mr and Mrs Small enjoyed the pleasures of a cat-free garden; the greenhouse was repaired at the cost of something over twelve pounds, and the blackbirds and sparrows became more numerous and fed fearlessly on lawn and patio. But one morning, to the chagrin of Mr and Mrs Small, Scraunge reappeared in a particularly prized flowerbed. The Boots came out of the shed and were placed again under the patio seat, and in the words of Mr Chamberlain, a state of war existed between them. How the matter will end, we do not know. The cat may murder any number of sparrows, or may himself be felled by a mortal blow from one of his Boots. Mr Small may succumb to an apoplectic seizure, brought on by sheer frustration, or in his fury he may take a carving knife to Mrs Small. Such things are reported in the newspapers in lurid detail on any day of the week. It would be very pleasant to report that a reconciliation, or, as they say in the newspapers, a negotiated settlement between the parties had been reached. But this drama is but a microcosm of those played out all over the world, ever since the Old Testament taught us how we should conduct ourselves, reiterated by the lessons of Coronation Street and Albert Square. And we know that in the green and pleasant gardens of England, somewhere, rustling among the flowerbeds, there will always be a malevolent, off-marmalade, scratchy, scraungy cat. And a calm, inoffensive and otherwise peace-loving man will be bent on its destruction.

Christmas Art Exhibition (Mixed Media) Seasonal Theme Sat. 5th - Sat. 19th December 13 artists to include

Isobel Bartholomew Her work is featured in a number of publications including the R.H.S. 'New Dictionary of Gardening' and Dr. Shirley Sherwood's book 'A Passion for Plants Contemporary Botanical Masterworks'

Dragonfly Exhibition Centre Wayland House, Watton 01953 880205

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HARMONY QUILTING A Professional Machine Quilting Service !!! You do the patchwork !!! I do the quilting For Quilting Wadding & Backing Prices www.harmonyquilting.co.uk

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Advertising

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 14

Trixie Your small, local branch, in its 107th year, is opening a charity shop at

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Darcy

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Lisa

Opening Hours 10am to 4pm Mon to Sat

Lady

Please help us to continue to rehome over 500 unwanted companion animals each year in the Mid Norfolk area some of whom are shown here. We also give a wide range of advice, assistance and support to owners on low incomes, pensioners and others in need of help with their much loved animals.

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We NEED good quality clothing, all sizes, shoes, accessories, toys, furnishings, bric-a-brac, books, DVD's, furniture and other saleable items in good condition.

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Do you have a few hours to spare each week to help us run our small, friendly shop? A driver with own van is also needed occasionally. Expenses paid.

PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THE ANIMALS Jaffrey

Contact out of shop hours: Marion on 01603 43 83 60

Marley

News

Irene finally takes a Break Irene Warby (right), Manageress of the Break charity shop in Watton is finally taking her well earned rest by retiring from the post she has held for 16 years. Irene, who retired on the 14th November, has managed the shop since Bryan Gunn performed the opening ceremony there on the 13th November, 1993. She lives in Watton but originates from Christchurch in Cambridgeshire. Irene says she has really enjoyed looking after the shop, ―All the volunteers I have worked with have been wonderful and are like an extended family to me. And I would really like to pay tribute to the help and support they have given me over the years, without them I couldn‘t have managed. I really would like to thank them all.‖ And what does the future hold now? ―My grandchildren‖ said Irene laughing. ―I have three grandchildren from 3 to 12 and I am looking forward to spending more time with them.‖

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 15

Watton Art Group Invite you to an Art Show in the Watton Christian Community Centre Preview Thursday 10th December, 7.30pm Friday 11th and Saturday 12th, 9am – 3pm Refreshments available If you are interested in Art come along and see painters at work, chat and find out more about an interesting hobby. Sponsored by The Village Florist, Watton

Coffee at the Queens Hall 9.30am to 11.30am Sat Dec. 7th Farmers Market Day Inner Wheel Christmas Charity Stall

CHRISTMAS PRIZE BINGO Saturday 5th December Eyes down 7.30pm Great Ellingham Recreation Centre Proceeds in aid of Great Ellingham (St James) Scout Group Charity Number 1062603

Local produce featured at Banham This Christmas, Londis Banham is featuring many of its local producers, in a special Christmas promotion. The range being promoted includes bread, cakes & savouries from Linzers bakery, and a new sparkling soft drink range from Breckland Orchards. Local beers are represented by Wolf & Elmtree. Both companies have a Christmas gift pack, which is ideal for the 'man who has everything'! Two cider companies are promoting very different cider ranges. Crones have 3 different organic ciders, while Norfolk

Cider offer a range of 3 refined ciders. This is as well as the nationally renowned Aspalls who's best selling 'blush' cider is part of their range. Our meat, will again this year, come from our local butcher FL Edge, and the store will be supplying a full range including Turkey, Chicken, Goose etc. with orders already being taken. The latest local supplier to join the range, is the English Whisky Co, supplying both fruit & cream whisky liqueurs. It is also hoped to include Chapter 6 English Malt Whisky.

All this is beside the normal range offered by the store! To kick off the promotion, the store is having tasting activities on the 5th & 6th December, to give customers a chance to try before they buy. And they will also be selling raffle tickets, to give customers a chance to win a £50 hamper of local goodies, with all monies raised going to support Banham Church. For further information contact the store on 01953 887320

Rollercoaster first year for Salena It would take a brave person who set up a new business at the beginning of a recession in a small market town in Norfolk. But Salena Dawson, who originally comes from Coventry, had the courage to do that and has now

celebrated her first year as an independent solicitor specialising in Employment Law and Commercial work. ―It has‖ she says, ―been a rollercoaster ride.‖ After qualifying and training, Salena

took a position in the commercial department of a Norwich based firm, but always felt that she wanted more from her career. The looming recession meant that the threat of redundancy was hanging over her. While considering her options and whether she could set off on her own, as sometimes happens in life, lots of things just suddenly fell into place and there she was on day one, no clients, no work, but her own boss. Very quickly, as a result of her reputation and skills, work started coming in and although it has not been easy, the completion of her first successful year has delighted Salena. With her from the beginning, as her personal assistant, has been Alex Slade. Alex had been Salena‘s first secretary and the two have, as it were, grown up together, offering clients an efficient and cost effective service. Indeed Alex is now approaching the end of her training and will become the company‘s Elderly Client Consultant. Salena who lives in Thompson, is a dedicated mum to her three children, Daniel, Ellen and Luke and has other talents and is also a local author writing and publishing the regional bestselling books, based on the children's character Clay the Cromer Crab.

SALEC TRAVEL LTD Saturday 5th December Ipswich 9am Adult £9 Child £6 Wednesday 9th December - Thursford - Adult + Child £37 SOLD OUT Thursday 10th December - Christmas Seaside Special - Adult & Child £20 Saturday 12th December Lakeside or Bluewater 8am Adult £14 Child £9 Fri 18th Dec. - Snow White on ice at King Lynn Matinee - Adult & Child £25 Sun 20th Dec Christmas Lunch at The Green in Aylsham Adult & Child £22 Wednesday 30th December Christmas Circus 10am Adult & Child £19 Saturday 9th January Ipswich Sales 9am & 4pm Return Adult £9 Child £6 Thurs 14th January Fakenham 9.30am & 1.30pm Return Adult & Child £5 Sat 23rd January Bury St Edmunds 9.30am & 3pm Return Adult & Child £5 PLEASE NOTE: WISBECH CHRISTMAS MARKET DATE CHANGED TO MONDAY 21st DECEMBER. ALSO FAKENHAM IN DECEMBER CHANGED TO THURSDAY 3rd DECEMBER

Holidays 2010 (Please ring for Itineraries) Country & Western Weekend ~ Emmerdale Weekend Brighton Weekend ~Isle of Wight ~ Lake District Turkey & Tinsel Folkestone

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 16

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 17

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 18

Comment and Puzzles

Caring for our forces

T

hree months ago we asked a serious national question in relation to Afghanistan. Presenting both sides of the story, we asked if Britain had mired itself in a war that nobody, no matter how powerful their army, could win. Now, three months on, while the support for our troops could not be greater, more people, politicians and high ranking military people are asking quite simply ―should we be there?‖ Another question that has been on the lips of many is ―could this be our Vietnam?‖ While the citizens of the United States know only too well about the Vietnam War; it is not widely recognized that Australia was also involved in the war and those who were sent to the jungles of Vietnam had no choice. Conscription was still in force and if your number came out of the lottery barrel you knew you were off to fight in a war very few people knew anything about. So we asked our Australian writer, Chris O‘Connor, to look at how the war in Vietnam impacted on the nation, the families and the soldiers who came home different men, and how thousands of people marching in the streets forced the government of the day to withdraw from a war that most people now agree was fought because of a simple fear of communism. When I first arrived in Australia 40 years ago I received a letter from the government telling me to register for military service. The fact that at the time I had no intention of staying in the country meant nothing and I duly registered. A few months later I received another letter from the government advising me that I was exempt from military service simply because my date of birth had not come up on one of the balls in the lottery draw. It was that simple – wrong date of birth and you were off to Vietnam to fight. The Vietnam War was the longest major conflict in which Australians have been involved; it lasted ten years, from 1962 to 1972, and involved some 60,000 personnel. A limited initial commitment of just 30 military advisers grew to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force. Each of the three services was involved, but the dominant role was played by the Army. In the early years, Australia’s participation in the war was not widely opposed. But as the commitment grew, as conscripts began to make up a large percentage of those being deployed and killed, and as the public increasingly

came to believe that the war was being lost, opposition grew until, in the early 1970s, thousands began to register their anti-Vietnam protest. Involvement in the war cost more than 500 Australian servicemen their lives, while some 3,000 were wounded, otherwise injured or were victims of illness. And it is the ‘victims of illness’ that Britain will soon start to notice. The dead are honoured and their final march is over; but for those living on, who have seen the atrocities: young children blown apart, women raped because they spoke to the wrong man or having to cradle a comrade in your arms as his dies is something they will never forget. I recall sitting at a barbeque with an SAS soldier – the toughest known to Australia and watching tears roll down his eyes as his thoughts went back to a fire fight he’s been involved in. He didn’t want to tell us about it but suddenly it all came out, he talked of the women he’d killed when blowing up a village, of mangled arms and legs and bodies blown beyond recognition. He remembered the first time he killed a man and afterwards, checking his body for booby traps had found photos of his wife and children in a cheap wallet. Remember, this was a man trained to kill, a man who had done more serious warfare training than the average soldier and, to put it mildly, he was a wreck. He felt guilt, fear, and lack of control of his life. And instead of receiving counselling he was told by his commanding officer that his role was ‘To seek out and close with the enemy; to kill or capture him; to seize and hold ground; to repel attack, by day or night, regardless of season, weather or terrain." This young man of 22 had what we now recognise as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). British soldiers are no different to Australian soldiers when it comes to emotion and stress and many of the soldiers who return will feel anger, regret and major depression. When Major Nidal Malik Hassan went on his shooting rampage at Fort Hood Texas killing 12 people General Peter Chiarelli the US Army vice-chief of staff called PTSD ‘a painful mixture of anxiety and depression, one of the signature wounds of war.’ In the US this year at least 128 troops have killed themselves following duty in Afghanistan. But it is not just PTSD that will impact on Britain. The war in Afghanistan will start to divide the nation. It will bring

about demonstrations the size of which you cannot imagine. In Australia in 1970 200,000 people marched through the streets of Melbourne to protest at the war. Postmen who delivered the letter telling men they were going to war were spat upon; a man I know, a Quaker and genuine conscientious objector spent six months in prison for refusing to sign up. Apart from the psychological damage inflicted on the veterans, by the late 1970s many believed they had also been poisoned while fighting in Vietnam. Between 1962 and 1971 over 17 million gallons of herbicide and insecticide were used in Vietnam to clear vegetation so the Viet Cong had nowhere to hide. Agent Orange was only one of the many insecticides used but that name has come to represent them all. This action was known as Operation Ranch Hand. During Ranch Hand, American and Australian soldiers were exposed to the chemicals. In 1978 a report appeared that linked Agent Orange with cancers of the soft tissues and blood, birth defects in children born to those exposed to the herbicide and toxic brain dysfunction. Don’t think for a minute lethal chemical substances are not being used in Afghanistan. Those who served in Vietnam have 23% higher mortality rate and 14% elevated rate of cancer incidence compared to those who did not serve in Vietnam. The legacy of the Vietnam War lingers to this day, but at least the Australian government has realised the value of its military. When the dead return home now they are met by the Defence Minister; in America Barak Obama helped carry coffins from a military plane recently; And in Britain? We do not condemn Gordon Brown for misspelling a soldier‘s name but quite frankly it is not good enough for him to express his ‗sorrow and sadness‘ when British casualties occur. So far as I have seen, no government representative has had the courage to get together with the families when the bodies of our military personnel killed in action are brought home for the very last time. Contrast that with Australia where the latest victim was met by the Minister for Defence who then attended the full military funeral. The Australian Parliament also stood for a minute in respectful silence. Whether we like it or not, the dead are dead. The wounded now become part of our society and our responsibility to look after them in their time of sickness should never end – and I believe that through the organisations like The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and Troop Aid, it never will. But it worries me that that I don‘t feel our government has the same commitment that these organisations do and appears to betray the military covenant. According to the Army website: The Military Covenant is the mutual obligation between the Nation, the Army and each individual soldier; an unbreakable common bond of identity,

loyalty and responsibility which has sustained the Army throughout its history. Soldiers will be called upon to make personal sacrifices - including the ultimate sacrifice - in the service of the Nation. In putting the needs of the Nation and the Army before their own, they forego some of the rights enjoyed by those outside the Armed Forces. In return, British soldiers must always be able to expect fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service.‖ In the same way the unique nature of military land operations means that the Army differs from all other institutions, and must be sustained and provided for accordingly by the Nation. This mutual obligation forms the Military Covenant between the Nation, the Army and each individual soldier; an unbreakable common bond of identity, loyalty and responsibility which has sustained the Army throughout its history. It has perhaps its greatest manifestation in the annual commemoration of Armistice Day, when the Nation keeps covenant with those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in action. The duty of care towards troops implied by the covenant includes paying towards healthcare, which can be physical care for injuries or mental support for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other problems. The Ministry of Defence also provides support for bereaved families. British law gives our government 'combat immunity', which prevents soldiers from claiming compensation for injuries they received in combat except under official compensation schemes. Because soldiers cannot take the Crown to a civil court, the covenant is viewed as important in protecting soldiers' rights to compensation. Is it not obscene – I can think of no stronger word - to see billions poured into the gaping hole of our banking system, lining the pockets of the super rich, whilst ex-soldiers live in cardboard boxes on the streets of our cities? The Nation holds the Covenant with the Soldier; and Mr Brown, your job is to lead and to do the Nation‘s will. We demand that you uphold that Covenant and should there be one widow, one fatherless child or one ex soldier suffering for the want of the care of our nation this Christmas, then you, Prime Minister, should hang your head in shame.

Letters to the Editor Christmas lights Dear Sir, The Christmas Lights! As this is the event of the moment I feel that there should be some understanding in the Town as to the efforts behind this year‘s display. For very many years we have had Martin Anscombe doing the job, starting equipment work in the summer, with a push with volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council on the erection days late November. A couple years ago due to Martins retirement, from the Chamber Secretariat and from 'being up a ladder' the Job was taken on by Roy Ivory on behalf of the Council. At this time a legal arrangement was drawn up between the Council and the Chamber in that the Chamber would pay for the electricity and supply help on erection. This year‘s payments to the couple of shops involved have been done at the 11th hour, 10 months after they were due. And to add insult to this attitude there has NOT been one person coming forward from the Chamber to assist, during manufacture of the new lights nor on the many days of erection (mostly last Sunday, in the rain). The job has so far been done by a couple of councillors, Roy Ivory, his son and my Fiancée Sandra and a friend from Dereham. This band has so far contributed some 300 Man Hours. We have also had vehicles parking on my leg and a contra taunt in the High St with town‘s youth that has led to Police and statements! I am extremely disappointed that the Chamber of Commerce of this town, which used to have a very good reputation, has totally failed to support this endeavour. We all like our Christmas lights and surely most of the Towns' Shop Keepers will benefit due to the lights bringing good cheer and people into the Town. So where is the Chamber when it is needed? A Osborn Member of Chamber of Commerce and Town Council.

MID-NORFOLK TIMES The deadline for the January issue will be 12 Noon on the 16th December Page space is allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Deadline is the latest date and time that copy will be considered for inclusion. Arrival of copy before deadline does not guarantee inclusion, if you wish to be certain your entry gets to print then please make sure it arrives in plenty of time. If you are submitting on paper you MUST sign and include your contact details with each item. If you do not, the item will NOT be published. You can contact Julian by ringing (01953) 858908. You can write to 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE Or you can leave copy in the bin at Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton.

The e-mail address is [email protected] All views expressed in the Mid-Norfolk Times are those of the contributors and not the publishers. While every care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

This issue of the Mid-Norfolk Times was published by: Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE and printed through www.quotemeprint.com 0845 1300 667

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 19

Comment and Puzzles

Boy Sid Dear Sah, My ole sister an‘ oi wud loike to say how much we enjoy yer new look pearper. Tha‘s keepin us up ter date with was a goin orn and the loike. We particular loiked that there bit from Boy Sid – us being both true bred Naarfolk. Them people was a compainin about Sid‘s ole cokkerell! Wos they expectin ter hear in the countryside? Woi dew people come ter live in bootifull Naarfolk places and then start a complainin‘ about the countryside noise? Tha‘s loike them wos moved in aside that there airfield and then complain about the gliders. Dew you go on back to where yew cum from is wot oi say!! Now Sah, dew yew think thas a good oidea fer yew t‘ hev a letter‘s section in yer pearper, sew we can complain about the folk wos complainin? Tha‘s us dun now. Jo and Gloria.

Walsingham Gates Watton We would like to make public our thanks and appreciation for the attention being given to the Walsingham Gates in Watton which are in the middle of being painted. In particular our Mayor, Margaret Holmes, who supported our application; Richard Wills (Pride in Breckland) who arranged to supply the paint, but mainly the gentleman who is doing the actual work. He has been working through a cold and windy spell, taking great care and pride in his job. Take a trip along to see the first set of gates which have been completed, opposite St Mary's Church, then walk through Church Walk to the second set of gates and you will be able to see the amount of work which is entailed. On the right hand side as you leave the walk you will find a small plaque placed in the ground which explains why they are there. The walk itself is very well taken care of by council employees: the trees, the grass and the seats receiving attention in their turn. They also deserve a big thank you. Ian and Winifred Allen, Watton.

When Charity (shopping) isn’t enough

The “Ovington Crower” in his prime From the Ed: Oi welcome leerters on any subject, whether yew is complainin or praising. But oi think for the serke o’ them wos a readin about them wos complianin about them wos complainin, we ort t’ stick to tha Queen’s English - in this bit anyway. But oi dew enjoy a bit of ribbin!

Watton Festival May I say through your newspaper, please, what a pleasure it was for me to perform my One Woman Show ―Facts, Fibs and a Pinch Of Salt‖ at the Queens Hall Watton, Thursday 29th October. The Festival committee members were so supportive and so well organised. They clearly have worked very hard to put on such a successful festival. Well Done! Doreen Reed, Writer & Storyteller. Heacham

So, it would appear that there is to be another charity shop opening in Watton. I have no objections to charity shops, and indeed, use them frequently, both donating books and clothes I no longer need or want and obtaining replacements at affordable prices. The ethical aspects of buying second hand books, from which an author makes no money at all, we shall leave for another day! Charity shops are a good thing, providing a financial lifeline to organisations that fill in the gaps in State provision, providing often vital services that simply don't interest the for profit sector, or would cost too much for government to provide. They allow people on low incomes to buy such essentials as clothing, crockery, bed linen and furniture, as well as books and children's toys which, while not essential, give much needed pleasure in any kind of life, whether it's that of the family of a single mother on benefits or a multi-millionaire businessman. They reduce the pressures on landfill, where, without them, many more perfectly useable items would probably end up. However, when small market towns, particularly at times of economic hardship, know they can always rely on depressing, empty high street units being taken on by a charity shop at some point, and without much effort on the part of the Town Council to woo them, what incentive is there to try

SUDOKO JUST FOR FUN! Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. © www.ukpuzzle.com

and attract non-voluntary sector businesses that would bring paying jobs to the area? I am 23, currently unemployed and living in Shipdham. I am unable to drive, which, as past experience has shown, many employers in Norwich are anything from ambivalent to downright hostile to the idea of a potential employee travelling in by public transport, means I either have to lie on my applications, saying I have my own transport and hoping, that if I get the job, that I can sort something out quickly, or look for more local work in Dereham or Watton. In order to live a financially independent life and to have any kind of real future, I would need a full time job paying at least £6 an hour. Unfortunately in Mid-Norfolk, those jobs don't appear to exist, with the last lot of excitement for the unemployed being the chance of 16 hours a week at Poundland on the minimum wage. Fine if you're just looking for some extra cash while you're at college, or to top-up the family kitty, but less than I could realistically afford to accept. I enjoy living in the area, as I don't have massive requirements for late night entertainment and enjoy walking, cycling, peace and quiet and being outdoors. If I were in the position of having or wanting a family of my own, I would much prefer to bring up children here than in a large town or city. I would like to stay here but, unfortunately, it is looking increasingly likely that I will have to move at least to Norwich, if not further afield, in order to find work. Charity shops have their place, and can prevent a high street full of empty units looking depressing, rundown and putting off potential consumers or investors. However, they must be limited, especially in a small town such as Watton, and a real effort and focus put on attracting quality businesses who are committed to providing positive, long term employment to local people, based on their ability to do the job, rather than their age, how many bits of paper they can wave at someone, and how they plan to get to work – that really isn't any concern of an employer, so long as their staff get to work on time, and do not have to rush off at dead on 5.30pm in order to get home. If this issue of long term employment opportunities is not addressed, then government demands that areas such as MidNorfolk increase their provision of social housing, an issue which is almost always divisive in a community, sometimes bitterly so, are pointless – most people who would be granted social housing either can't afford to run a car at all, or if they can afford a car, can't afford the amount of petrol required for a daily journey to and from Norwich, and so would need local jobs. Without reasonable wages and full time, permanent hours being the norm, such people will remain trapped in dependency on State benefits, resenting and

LAST MONTH’S PUZZLES Here are the answers to both last month‘s Crossword and Sudoku puzzles. There was no winner last month, so this month‘s prize stands at £20. For a chance to win, simply send in your completed crossword, with your name, address and telephone number to MidNorfolk Times, 32 High Street, Watton, Norfolk IP256AE before 16th December.

Scribble Pad

resented by the more prosperous members of the community in roughly equal measure. Being in a strong position when Britain comes out of recession doesn't mean having every retail unit in a high street filled by someone, anyone. It means having provision for the long term future of an area, having training, employment and recreational needs for the people who will require them not just in 5 or 10 years time but in 25 and 50 years time, when the retired are no longer with us, the second home owners have had to sell their second home in order to live through their twilight years, and rural Britain is dependent on my generation and the generation after me – young blood, energy, passion and creativity that, if viable local employment opportunities are not created now, will have been lost to the cities, where opportunities for full time,

pe r ma n ent e mplo yme nt offering a wage on which a reasonable standard of living is possible without incurring debt are far greater. Once people have moved to the cities, once they have made friends there, once they are enjoying the provisions of the cities for whatever they class as recreation, be it nightlife, professional theatre, sports or whatever, can the rural area they left guarantee they will return? Of course not. The more likely scenario, if changes are not made now, is that many rural towns and villages will simply become ghost towns, perhaps the site of a nursing home or two, somewhere to come for a week or so a year on holiday. I do not want this to happen to Mid-Norfolk, which deserves far more, but I can see it coming to this end if the decision makers continue to focus solely on the short term fu t u r e . A s hl e y F or d, Shipdham

ITS A ROLLOVER!! £20 PRIZE CROSSWORD It looks like we made the clues too tough last month as there was no winner - so we have rolled over the prize to be a £20 Christmas Prize. To be in with a chance of winning a £20 Adcocks voucher, Simply complete the crossword below and post it to: Mid-Norfolk Times, 32 High Street, Watton, Norfolk. IP25 6AE with your name, address and phone number before the 16th December. All correct entries will be put into a draw and the winner will receive a £20 Adcocks voucher to spend. In the event of any dispute the decision of the Editor will be final.

Across 1 Unlike the Good Samaritan (4,2) 4 Peters already on his marks (6) 9 Its needles are not for sewing (4) 10 One who lives there (10) 11 New Zealand chit for some fabric (6) 12 Strangely tailored he worships the idol (8) 13 It's taxing when you die! (5,4) 15 A special one for Christmas (4) 16 An angel sang the first (4) 17 Put the rep in a trance and he'll make you a table. (9) 21 That old one! (8) 22 This butter's gone off (6) 24 They'll tell you the worth (10) 25 Just a short one to let you know (4) 26 It isn't that common (6)

27 Sounds like I arrive at an airport surrounded by water (6) Down 1 I pray thee will get this (7) 2 She uses a bit of England to get a polish (5) 3 London's fate in 1940/41 (7) 5 You might find a yellow one on an old oak tree . . . (6) 6 This accolade will be blue generally (9) 7 Ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle (7) 8 Where all those needles come from! (9,4) 14 The money's safe with them (9) 16 One who has given up? (2-5) 18 Seraphs sing the musical passages (7) 19 Iced vet is homeless (7) 20 Bless with oil (6) 23 In Jan's mutant turtle we'll find a skilled assassin! (5)

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 20

A year of changes

Watton Westfield Competition Winners

Or a Very Merry Christmas from the Editor What a year this has been! The Wayland News has stepped up a gear and made the transition from what was previously a low key, safe format to the Mid-Norfolk Times, a much more grown up paper with proper journalistic values, which somehow and, at the same time, retains the ethos of the Wayland News and provides exactly the same opportunities for the community to get their news across. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am. Its something of a tradition that I take this opportunity of thanking everyone who helps make this the success it has been and this year is no exception, so in no particular order . . . A really big thank you for the content that has been submitted by Chris O‘Connor, Edith Pleasance, Lotta Potts, Helen Quinn, Frank Wilder, Adam and every other contributor whether as individuals or on behalf of their organisations. The advertisers who actually pay out real money so you don't have to! To Bryony who helps me get this offering out to you; to the businesses across mid-Norfolk who stock the paper and to the organisations within the villages that have set up their own distribution schemes, thank you too for all your help in making the MidNorfolk Times what it is. Edwards in Watton particular get a special mention, thanks Chris. This year I took the most frightening step of changing printers from Rollmark to Sharman and Co in order to go to colour. I was always delighted with Rollmark and I am pleased to say that Sharmans and Co have proven to be just as nice to deal with. Lastly I want to especially thank a contributor who‘s work I adore, Lindsay Keir-Wise. Lindsay is retiring from contributing this month and I am very sad to see him go but, I still have one or two cartoons to print. Lindsay‘s sense of humour has had me giggling away while preparing the paper and for that alone he deserves a medal. No wonder then, that he has been published in Punch magazine. Thanks Lindsay and I hope you enjoy your well earned rest. Lastly to you dear reader, thank you for your feedback, I value every sentence of it, good and bad. I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year and I look forward to seeing you in January when we‘ll do it all again!!!

Picture: Submitted The manager of the new Co-op Store in Watton presented children at Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School with prizes for their Halloween Art Competition. The children are pictured above showing their prizes and pictures. The store has also donated a very generous £200 to the school as a thank you for helping to open the new store last month. The school would like to thank the new Co-op Store in Watton for their friendship and generosity.

Norfolk to lead on Thanks from Jan coastal access Norfolk is set to become one of the first counties in the country to develop new coastal footpaths after Norfolk County Council was chosen as a lead authority to improve coastal access under the Marine Act. The Act - which received Royal Assent in mid-November - gives authority to Natural England to create a long distance path around the coast of England. Natural England has chosen six lead authorities*, including Norfolk, where work will be concentrated and has launched a 12-week consultation on its overall approach to the task. Once underway, the task of extending coastal access in Norfolk will be taken on by the Environment Operations team in the county council's Planning & Transportation department. Ian Monson - Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste says, ―I am delighted that Norfolk County Council has been selected to lead this exciting project. It is a once in a life time opportunity to create such an iconic trail. The track record of Norfolk County Council in delivering access to the countryside make us ideally placed to work in partnership with Natural England and others to establish the first phase of this project. "We have considerable experience in working with landowners and local communities to establish paths that benefit everyone.

Peddars Way and the existing Coast Path already bring in some £2m a year to the local economy, providing full time jobs for over 100 people. Extending coastal access will spread this economic benefit, but with minimal impact on the environment." Norfolk County Council environment and public rights of way teams, are already highly experienced in:  Developing and managing 13 long distance paths including Marriotts Way, Weavers Way, Angles Way, Paston Way and Wherryman's Way  Managing the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail  Overseeing a further 2,500 miles of Public Rights of Way. With walking proven to be beneficial to people's physical and mental health, the opportunity for creating more short and long distance walks through this programme is good news for Norfolk's wellbeing. Crucially, the new coastal access trail will also provide considerable economic benefits. Nationally, the proposed English coastal path will generate around £2,572 million per year for the local economies and support 100,000 full time jobs. And with quality of life outside the work place being a major factor for employees, close proximity to leisure features like accessible pathways provide an excellent reason for businesses to locate to Norfolk.

It was a wonderful day! The weather was glorious, the Prince was charming and everything worked perfectly. But none of it could have happened without our wonderful Wayland community, both collectively and individually, for putting my name forward in the first place and then for all the acts of enormous kindness since the award was first announced in the Birthday Honours list, closely followed by the freakiest storm ever. Our neighbours in Broadmoor Road provided labour, sustenance and friendship throughout; Judy and Angie helped to organise ‗THE HAT‘, Domini dealt with the hair under the hat, Jean and Geoff looked after us when the flood happened and took care of the dog on the big day and more people than I can mention have sent their good wishes. But special thanks must go to Eirlys Johnson of Breckland Funeral Services, who provided us with a limousine and driver for the day. It was just wonderful to be driven in such comfort and luxury right to the main entrance of the Palace to alight on the red carpet and then later to sweep out of the Quadrangle with the Tourists snapping away, certain that such a car must contain someone important! Left: Jan and Ken Godfrey at Buckingham Palace after Jan received her MBE Picture: Submitted

News

Watton Senior Citizens th Party 12 December

Watton Senior Citizens Party takes place again on the 12th December at Wayland Community High School in Merton Road (N.B. please not the date printed last month was incorrect). Free tickets are at Mullengers Estate Agents in the High Street, Watton, and as for so many years the evening will

include good food, entertainment from youngsters at the school and the fellowship of old friends. With around 100 people involved in looking after 200 visitors this is a true community event with the funding and staffing provided freely from within the town and the school. Watch out for the posters.

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 21

Available now at Edwards, High Street. Watton £1.50

This may be the last time we organise this as out of the 200 tickets issued last year, so many people didn‘t bother to turn up or return tickets so we could reissue them. The first 200 will get the tickets for this early Christmas evening, enjoyed by many over the past 40 plus years.

Watton Medical Practice Newsletter We have said goodbye to Dr Tim Bosworth after 4 months of excellent care to patients in our practice. We wish him well as he continues his career. We will be welcoming Dr Kim Tomlinson in his place. I am sure that she will be every bit as popular as Dr Bosworth has been. We will be altering the appointment system from the beginning of February, in line with patient feedback and discussion. We will be making another 20% of our appointments available to pre-book. That will make approximately 80% of all doctors‘ appointments bookable in advance. Of course, this is providing your health need is suitable for a doctor to assess. Often, one of our experienced nurses or the Nurse Practitioner can do this, for requests such as mild or minor illness or injury, contraception, blood pressure monitoring, respiratory illness, back pain, sinus problems etc. To enable this increase in advance appointments, the doctors have asked the reception team to ask you for an very brief indication of your health need so that you can be directed to the most appropriate clinical person to help you with your condition. You can now, and will still be able to book a suitable appointment up to 3 weeks in advance with a doctor and up to 8 weeks in advance for a nurse. This change will mean that we

hope that more of our patients will be able to plan their health care needs and health monitoring in advance. We feel that in addition to our 2 early morning sessions on a Tuesday and a Thursday and our late Wednesday evening session, we will be providing an even better range of appointments. From February, we will also be changing the way in which we handle our same day or "urgent" appointments. Patients who call in on the day that they wish to be seen will no longer be able to have a choice of clinician, no matter how early they contact us. Instead, these patients will be assessed by a same day team which will be led by our Nurse Practitioner Stevie. Patients may not necessarily see a doctor unless it is assessed as necessary to do so. Again, the doctors have been giving the reception team some detailed training in this new system and they will be acting totally on their training and instructions. We hope that you will work and help us in getting this new system in place as this may take a few weeks to get right. We have started our Swine Flu campaign. The NHS has been very specific about who is entitled to the vaccine and in what order we can administer it. We have only had a very small delivery of the vaccine but we understand that over the next few

weeks we will be receiving some more. You will be invited to attend by letter if you are: over 6 months old but under 65 years old AND you have a chronic health condition such as respiratory or heart disease or diabetes or you are immunosuppressed or live in the same house as someone who is immunosuppressed or If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic neurological disease. It is IMPORTANT to remember that the Swine Flu vaccine is different to Seasonal flu vaccine and if you are entitled to you should have both. If you are OVER 65 you should definitely have the seasonal flu vaccination. Please call in or phone for an appointment Please remember to stock up your medicine cupboard with medicines for the Christmas period. Your local pharmacy will give you advice. Also remember to order your repeat prescriptions for Christmas time well in advance as we will not be running normal surgeries from 24th December - 4th January inclusive. Did you know that we have a website that you can order your prescription through? www.wattonmedicalpractice.co.u k This is also useful for a range of other health information. Everyone at Watton Medical Practice wishes you a wonderful and healthy Christmas.

Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 6HW Tel: (01953) 881343 Fax:(01953) 882923

Notes from Ashill Garden Club Our October meeting was rather less well attended than usual, probably owing to some confusion regarding club dates. However we were treated to a very interesting and informative talk on the growing and propagation of Streptocarpus by Alison, who has specialised in these plants for many years. I am not sure that many of us will have the patience to try growing our own new hybrids from seed as she does, but who knows . . . In November we will be having a visit from Paul Payne who will talk to us about daffodils. He is an expert in growing and showing these bulbs, and hopefully he may bring some for sale. Our December meeting will be a purely social occasion, a chance to get together over tea and refreshments, and exchange wishes for a Happy Christmas. It has still not been decided on the venue for our lunch in January, but members will be notified in the near future and invited to book, This month will also bring a visit from Bill le Grice the famous rose grower. Something to look forward to in the flatness of the after Christmas and New Year period.

We now have all dates fixed for 2010 and these are as follows January 21st; February 18th; March 18th; April 15th; May 27th; June 24th; Sunday 27th June the Annual Flower Show; July 29th; August 26th; September 23rd; October 21st; November 18th; December 16th Don‘t forget to make a note of these in your diaries please. Anyone wishing to join this informal and friendly club should come along to the Ashill Community Centre, where they will be made most welcome at any meeting.

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 22

DEREHAM & DISTRICT

CAT ADOPTION CENTRE

Songs in the key of Stig Auddy Award winning Steve ―Stig‖ Denson, is a self taught acoustic singer-songwriter who has been playing the guitar for more than 40 years. But it is only now that Stig has finally recorded his own CD entitled, ―Songs in the Key of Stig‖. Living in Great Hockham, Stig is one of the East Anglian music scene‘s best kept secrets, performing his own brand of romantic love songs with his versatile voice and gentle folk guitar at gigs in local folk clubs and more recently on Sunday Folk Show on Wayland Community Radio which is on Sunday nights between 7pm and 9pm. The CD, which was recorded in September at the Rose Cottage Studios at Sporle, near Swaffham, is described as a collection of contemporary folk music from East Anglia and contains his signature song ‗Cry of a Seagull‘ which received rave reviews on the leading folk website EZFolk and was voted no 1 in their playlist and which has just achieved a Silver Auddy Award. Another track, 'Changing Wind', has gone one better by winning a Gold Auddy Award. An album to relax to, Songs in the Key of Stig is a collection of sixteen songs comprised entirely of his Stig‘s own work. With lyrical inspiration drawn from life, love and his own childhood the CD contains a range of tracks such as the wistful ‗My Lost and Long Ago Wilderness‘ reflecting the now disappeared landscape of the area where he grew up to ‗Wild Track‘ described by Stig as

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Swaffham Rec’s Lottery Success Swaffham Town Council Recreation Ground Committee have been successful in obtaining a ‗Big Lottery‘ grant of ₤8,161.00 to provide outdoor gym equipment for their Haspall‘s Road Recreation Ground. This grant together with section 106 planning gain funding of

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₤10,000 and ₤600 from the Friends of the Rec will enable the ‗fitness for all‘ project to be in place by the Spring of 2010. Each piece of equipment will provide exercise for individual muscle groups. The equipment will encourage regular exercise and the

less enthusiastic to take part and get fit. Keeping physically active can prevent major illnesses and is the basis for a healthier lifestyle. It is recommended that adults should do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five or more days of the week and that children and young people do 60 minutes every day. Regular exercise will not only improve general health it can reduce high blood pressure, stress and improve peoples self esteem. Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee Jerome Stockdale said ―This is a great project for the Rec as it is for all ages; anyone can try out this equipment and hopefully get hooked and want to join a gym.‖ Deputy Town Clerk Michelle Meyrick ―I am delighted with the news of the Big Lottery grant for the ‗fitness for all‘ project. This is one more example of the good work being carried out by the Rec Committee. It‘s another step forward to making the Rec a place for the whole community of all ages and abilities.‖ Friends of the Rec spokesperson Sheila Lister said ―The Friends are really pleased to be a small part of this project, but it shows what can be done if we all work together.‖

having its roots in the Norfolk Hillbilly Folk tradition! The delightful ‗Nothing is Forgotten‘ is a sublime example of his talent and can‘t possibly fail to move the listener along with his other ballads. Influenced by the likes of James Taylor, Ralph McTell and Marc Bolan, Stig‘s work is most often compared with Donovan although he says his lyrics are ―not as flowery as Donovan‘s‖. A strong believer in live performance, they did not employ the orchestral and vocal backing tracks often heard on other musician‘s work. Studio work on the CD was kept to a minimum with only minimal backing to maintain the purity of the performance and that certainly comes though in the listening experience. If you would like to sample some of the music, including Cry of a Seagull, go on the Internet and visit www.stigd.co.uk He can also be hired for local gigs and events where thou gh tful, romantic music is appropriate to an occasion. Or if you want to buy the CD – it would make a great Christmas present for anyone who likes contemporary folk or just easy listening, contact Stig on [email protected] or call into Adcocks in the High Street, Watton where you can pick up a copy for £6.99 – not bad for sixteen original songs by someone who is sure to become a much better known performer in Norfolk in the future.

The “Old Bill Barrow” In a novel attempt to bring the general public into closer contact with their local Safer Neighbourhood Team, the Watton team are setting out their stall from 9am to 12 Noon at the Farmers Market which is held on the first Saturday of every month in Watton High Street. Sergeant Lance Ogbourne of Watton Police Station said ―We want to provide the public with an opportunity to engage with their local Safer Neighbourhood Team and discuss any policing issues or concerns they may have. ―My team looks forward to being able to meet people in the market stall atmosphere that exists every month this event takes place. ―But it is not just about chatting, we will also have available the wide range of crime prevention products and advice that we normally have at the ―Cops and Coffee‖ morning which take place at the Surge as a part on the Wednesday ―Seniors at the Surge‖ drop in. Attendance at both events is subject to operational requirements.

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 23

Historic parish churches of Norfolk By Frank Wilder It doesn't even have a lych-gate. The way to this little remote Saxon church is through a gap in the hedge running along a North Norfolk lane and then across a wide grassy track which leads to a small churchyard and the 1000 year old church of All Saints, Waterden. Not so many years ago this little church was in danger of becoming just a ruin, but action by the Norfolk Churches Trust has, thankfully, rescued it from such a dreadful fate. As it is, the tower, which fell down untold years ago, is just a heap of rubble and has been replaced by a small wooden turret with a single bell. The south aisle was demolished and the arcade filled in, as can clearly be seen today, and the original east window was blocked up and replaced by one in the Tudor style with lancet windows formed by moulded brick mullions. Several other windows have been so modified. Throughout Norfolk there are some 640 parish churches of which my wife, Brenda, and I have visited some 572 over a period of about 40 years and yet, of all these churches, some of which are wonderful buildings of almost cathedral-like proportions, this isolated little Saxon church is the one of which we are most fond. Perhaps because of its age and isolation but certainly because of the atmosphere of peace and calm, which percolates and surrounds it. We are not the only ones to love this little church, for on a visit in 2002 we met up with an artist creating a lovely

Queen’s Hall, Watton 8 to 11.00 Admission £3.00

Saturday December 5th Mike 01953 882799

watercolour picture. He turned out to be a Canadian, who by chance found All Saints whilst on a visit to England and Norfolk in 1993 and has been back every 3 years since, on a kind of pilgrimage and to paint another picture. Strictly speaking, this little church should not feature in a series devoted to "Historic Churches of Norfolk", simply because it is not, as the dictionary has it, 'famous or important in history'. In fact, famous events and famous families have passed it by and yet, here it has stood century after century, whilst momentous events were

happening. On that basis I feel it right to include it in the series – particularly since Brenda and I are so fond of it and the magic that seems to permeate the place as one touches those ancient stones. Architecturally it is a patchwork of alterations down the centuries. There are upper windows with tapering sides and double splays which look decidedly AngloSaxon. The doors are either Saxon or early Norman and the east window was blocked up to take four Tudor lancets in a brick frame. Inside a simple font on a plastered brick column is fitted between the

north wall and the back pew, one of a set of 19th C deal box pews grained and varnished in yellow ochre. Over the harmonium is a text: "Lo, I am with you always". The earthworks of a deserted village lie in a valley to the north east of this little church, from which it is clear that this was never a large village. Sitting in the peace and quiet of the magical atmosphere of this little church, the text seems particularly appropriate as though the church is waiting for the return of the village congregation. Perhaps - one day.

Caston winner in Smith and Pinching competition Smith & Pinching, one of the largest firms of independent financial planners and insurance brokers in East Anglia is committed to putting something back into the community. With this in mind they have recently asked children across Norfolk to Design a Charity Christmas Card. ―We were delighted to receive over 150 entries and the decision to choose a winner was a difficult one‖ said Janina Dingwall, Financial Services Manager at Smith & Pinching. ―Meleah‘s winning design with its vibrant colours and attention to detail, captured the eye of the judges.‖ Maleah aged 6 from Caston, has received a box full of craft and colouring materials and will visit the East Anglian Air Ambulance hanger

Watton Ballroom Dancing Association

and tour of the Air Ambulance helicopter. The runners up, Leticia aged 4, from Briston and Bethan, aged 7, from Sheringham will each receive a box of craft and colouring materials. This design has been made into The Smith & Pinching Charity Christmas Card for 2009 and is available now from Smith & Pinching branches in Cromer, Holt, North Walsham, Norwich and Watton, priced at £2.50 for 10. All proceeds from the sale of these cards will go to East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Free money The Wayland Agricultural Society is giving charities free money! It‘s that time of year again when we invite local charities to apply for funds to help with new projects or for new equipment needed. Please apply in writing to Mrs Lyn Lake, Millstones, Threxton, Watton, Thetford, IP25 7LT. All applications will be looked at and discussed by the committee, so come on, write that letter and you might be lucky, it‘s worth the price of the stamp at least!

BROOM HALL Country Hotel Saham Toney Your Local Three Star Hotel

Wednesdays Steak Night Sirloin or Rump with chips £10.00 Fridays Pie & Mash Night Pastry Pie & Mash with Dessert £9.95 New Ivy Room for Bar Meals Monday to Saturday 6.30 – 8.30 Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 – 2.00

01953 882125 www.broomhallhotel.co.uk

QUINTON HOUSE Retirement Home “HOME FROM HOME”

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Only two minutes walk from Watton Town centre, our home has friendly, caring staff, excellent food and warm comfortable surroundings, providing full 24 hour care. Many single en-suite rooms. All enquiries welcome - short stays catered for.

Telephone Watton 01953 882101

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 24

CHRISTMAS BINGO Thursday 17th December Eyes down 7.30pm

Great Ellingham Recreation Centre Proceeds to Great Ellingham Recreation Centre Charity Number 303957

MOTs £35.00 VEHICLES FROM V 99 ONWARDS. £40 FOR OLDER VEHICLES

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Little Brick Kiln Farm, Shropham, Norfolk, NR17 1ED

Tomato - Tomaytoe Gardening in Navasota, Texas By Helen Quinn The first major event of the ―holiday season―, Thanksgiving, is behind us and now we are preparing our digestive systems for Christmas. This time of year it is especially important continue gardening, in order to help control those excess pounds! I usually try to start planting my refrigerated bulbs for succession blooming, and onion sets, on Boxing Day. Lots of bending and stretching there! Cut-your-own Christmas Tree farms are becoming more popular, and the children always enjoy a hayride to and from the site of ―their‖ tree! Holly with berries is not readily available due to soil and climate problems. The most common source of twigs with berries is Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria, aptly named for its adverse effect if ingested). Yaupon is an invasive small tree which can easily take over pastures and landscapes if not diligently kept in check. Incidentally, Yaupon is the only native (to Texas) tree with caffeine in its leaves, and a fairly decent cup of coffee can be brewed from the roasted leaves. And of course, birds love its berries. Ivy grows all over the place, as does mistletoe. The Poinsettia is the most popular living Christmas decoration, and they now come in every colour of the rainbow, and even some colours that have been invented by man and sprinkled with glitter! In this part of Texas and farther south, Poinsettias will grow quite happily out of doors in a shady environment, and with occasional protection from frost. They revert to their natural green colour, but in

Nove mbe r and December the leaves will take on a reddish tinge – not suitable for potting up and bringing back inside as they can grow up to 10 feet high in the right conditions. The other most used living decoration is the Amaryllis – these do beautifully in the ground the next year. For anyone with an enormous amount of patience, a great way to expand your Amaryllis collection is by ―bulb chipping‖. With a very sharp, sterile knife, cut the bulb into quarters, eighths, sixteenths and so on, until there is nothing left. Each piece, as long as it has even a hint of a section of the bulb‘s basal plate – even a single hair of a root – has the potential to become a new flowering bulb. Plant all these chips close together in a shallow pot of vermiculite, and dampen. Check the moisture every once in a while, and in six months to a year what had looked like shriveled, brown, and dead chips, will start sprouting green. One to two years later you will have what looks like spring onion plants, and one day they will be big enough to flower. Mine are four years old now, and I‘m not sure I‘ll

Treetots News

them. Our Committee has been active too. A Children‘s Halloween Disco during the half term holiday was enjoyed by all and added £127 to the funds. Parents have been able to attend our Open Evening to talk with staff about their child‘s development and Alex, our regular photographer was on hand to take family portraits. A Ladies night, with chocolate, jewellery and cosmetic products provided Ladies with the opportunity of a night out whilst sampling a range of products for pampering themselves or purchasing as gifts. We have also been fortunate to receive another generous donation from the Masons at the Great Eastern Lodge. A huge thanks goes to them. Treetots Playgroup is a Community Playgroup, run by parents and carers. During the past year the members of the Voluntary, unpaid Committee have worked very hard to ensure the continuation of the Playgroup. Sadly, four members of the committee have now left. We would like to thank them for their input and support. The Good news is new parents and carers have put themselves forward to become part of the Treetots Team. So watch this space for all the exciting events to come. The number of children on our register has increased. We are looking to appoint extra staff. If you are interested in working with children, have the relevant qualifications or are prepared to train for them please contact us for further details. Treetots Playgroup is open Monday Friday term times only. We take children from two to five years old offering families morning and/ or afternoon sessions, together with lunch time supervision. We can be Contacted at The Blenheim Centre, Tedder Close Watton, IP25 6HU Tel; 07743097618 email [email protected]

Hello everyone. We hope that you enjoyed the ‗Indian summer‘, thanks to the prolonged good weather in early November, the Playgroup children were able to access our outside play area in the dry! We have been busy bunnies this term. Currently staff are encouraging the playgroup children to think about their environment, exploring the effect an individual might have on the community. We are specifically linking this to rubbish and recycling- hoping this will have a positive impact on the behaviour of future Watton teenagers and adults. In December we will also be enjoying some Christmas Festivities, including a concert for parents/carers, a party for the children and joining with some of Watton‘s older residents to sing with

live long enough to see them bloom – did I mention ―patience‖? Those pictured were ―chipped‖ in 2005! In the garden we can continue planting carrots and cabbage, but most planting for

the spring vegetable garden will begin in January for the hardiest of plants. Landscape shrubs and trees, perennials and fruit trees continue to be planted in December, and also the cool season annuals such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, alyssum, calendula, etc. The little amount of frost we have in a normal year will not harm these plants – while we do have freezes, the length of time below zero is minimal. I intended to try growing Swedes (they are called Rutabagas here), Rhubarb, Leeks and Parsnips this year, but missed the planting date. If planted in the spring, they wouldn‘t have time to mature before the hot weather zapped them. They are sometimes available in the ―Big City‖ supermarkets, but who knows how many thousands of miles they had to travel to get there!

Friends of East Anglian Air Ambulance Lottery Week 16 20.11.2009 £1,000 Mrs Janet West March, Cambs £250 Mrs Marion Dawson Wells Next The Sea £100 Mrs Ivy Empson Attleborough, Norfolk £100 Mr Paul Tricker Huntingdon £100 Donald Palmer Thetford, Norfolk £100 Marion Sargent Bury St Edmunds £100 Mrs Vera Ive Norwich, Norfolk Week 15 13.11.2009 £1,000 A Gould Dereham Norfolk £250 Mrs Ruby Pettit North Walsham Norfolk £100 Mrs Janet Brammer Norwich Norfolk £100 Mrs Vallee Dewar Fakenham Norfolk £100 Mrs Janet Daniels Roydon Diss Norfolk £100 Mrs A H Smith Overstrand Cromer Norfolk £100 Mrs Vanessa Sharman Ingham Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Week 14 06.11.2009 £1,000 Mrs Evelyn Hutchcraft Huntingdon, Cambs £250 Mrs S Kerr East Harling, Norwich £100 S Loomes Ipswich, Suffolk £100 R Manders Holt, Norfolk £100 Mrs Jennifer Brown Peterborough £100 Mr David Caley Bungay, Suffolk £100 Mr David James Cambridge Week 13 30.10.09 £1,000 Mrs Anne Bender Girton Cambs £250 Terry Hubbard Blofield Norwich Norfolk £100 Mrs June E Parkes Great Chishill Royston £100 Mrs Ann West Sheringham Norfolk £100 Mrs B Carter Southwold Suffolk £100 Mr Chipp Sparham Norwich Norfolk £100 Mrs Heather Pell Wisbech Cambs

News

Great Hockham Gardening Club

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN & FANCY DRESS COMPETITION SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER We had a really super afternoon, despite dreadful weather; the hall had plenty of villagers enjoying our lovely home-made refreshments. The children enjoyed taking part and created some amazing well decorated pumpkins as well as some really spooky costumes. Entering into the ‗spirit‘ of the event, Patsy Peachey and Ed Szczepanowski outdid themselves with their costumes, I couldn‘t even work out who the guy in the weird costume was for a while! All good fun! Congratulations to everyone who took part, you were all great! Prize-Winners of Best Decorated categories: 5 & under: Linus Dobbin, 6-7yrs: Tom Childs,8-9yrs: Megan Williamson, 1011yrs: Jennifer Caiten-Smith, 1213yrs: Kyfer Murton, 14-16yrs: Sophie Garrod, Adult: Paul Dixon Biggest Pumpkin Prize-winner: 23lbs this year Ken Garrod Fancy Dress Prize-Winners: Girl: Eloise Maxey, Boys: Tom Childs. (See photos on our website) Thanks to everyone for your help and support and to Trevor Mason for the loan of the scales again. WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER: TREVOR BANHAM, who gave us a wonderful talk and presentation on the history and the flora and fauna of Thetford Forest. His talk was full of funny local anecdotes and his photography captured the beauty and variety of our area, a wonderful reminder of how privileged we are to live here. We were so pleased that 42 came to this meeting, the hall was full and we welcomed another new

member. Mike Hall, again, very ably stepped in to Chair the evening and did a great job. The raffle raised an incredible £52 so we even managed to cover the expenses! Many thanks to those who brought prizes along. Flower Competition, judged by our speaker, was won again by Claudine Garrod, 2nd: Sue Cunningham, 3rd: Jane Dalton The meeting closed at 10.15pm. Annual Dinner on Saturday, January 30th: Cost £22 at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett, 7.30 for 8pm. If you can‘t make the NEXT club meeting please book your place by telephoning or emailing me, asap. Thank you. For more information look us up on our website: www.greathockhamgardeningclub.org. uk. Check out our fantastic new design web-site with ‗Kids Club‘! NB. If you are ordering gifts from Amazon for Xmas this year please give us a thought and order through the link on our webpage, this costs you no extra but earns the club some commission, thank you. Or ring me on the number below. We are a very active, friendly club, always keen to increase our membership and now is a great time to join. If anyone would like a lift to meetings please give me a call. On behalf of the gardening Club I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year and to thank the In-Touch team for their support throughout the year. Jane Dalton (Secretary) 01953 498694

Watton Evening W.I. At the end of October, 4 ladies joined members from WIs from all over Norfolk at the annual WI Advisers‘ quiz evening in Dereham. Well, some of the questions were quite hard! but we didn‘t disgrace ourselves and came around the middle of the leader board of about 25 teams – not bad really. Several ladies had a very enjoyable evening at Caithness Crystal in Kings Lynn doing a bit of early Christmas shopping. This month we had our annual meeting which was preceded by a fish and chip supper. Our president for 2010 is Pat Holdcroft with Sandra Howard as Treasurer and Barbara Bristow, Secretary. Also on the committee is Carol Robeson, Ruth Stapleton and Lynne Tarbard.. On Monday 7th December (at 7.30 pm) we will be holding our annual

Group Carol Service, this year at St Mary‘s in Watton – why not come and join us. It is hoped that the Windmill Handbell Ringers will be with us on this evening. To conclude our year we will be going to the Chequers for our annual Christmas dinner. We would like to wish each and every one of you A Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year. We have an interesting programme of speakers and events for next year and look forward to welcoming new members - 7.30 pm in Watton Christian Community Centre on the 2nd Thursday of the month is when we meet and any lady interested in finding out more about our WI can just pop along as a guest at one of our meetings or ring Pat on 01953 882275 or Barbara on 01953 882595

It’s cheap and easy to advertise your business in the Mid-Norfolk Times This size, in colour, only £20 Ring Julian 01953 858 908

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 25

Attleborough High School’s International Languages Award

Attleborough High’s Head of Modern Foreign Languages receiving the International Languages Award from BBC Newsreader, George Alagiah in London. Attleborough High School is celebrating receiving the full International School Award for the outstanding International work across the school. Head of Modern Foreign Languages Mrs Wind-Avery travelled to London with Assistant Headteacher Mr David Bartram to receive the British Council award. The school has developed an extensive range of International initiatives: from students‘ foreign

exchanges, Projects in geography/ science/ history and art conducted and shared with French and German partner schools via the school‘s award winning Virtual Learning Envirnoment, the school‘s European Day of Language celebrations, charity work linking to Kenya and New Zealand, performance from visiting musicians from Brazil highlighting the plight of street children in Rio, Year 9 students writing, acting, filming and editing

their own work in German, trips to France, Germany, Spain, Iceland and Morocco, and curriculum study of international poetry and prose - all which provided the evidence for this International Languages award. Mrs Wind-Avery commented: ― I am proud of the achievement of the school and it has been a pleasure to see how much work my colleagues contribute to provide our students with a broader understanding of the world at large.‖

Inner Wheel Club Of Watton Supports The Air Ambulance Our November Meeting held at the home of June Garratt was given an interesting talk by Hannah Clay from The East Anglian Air Ambulance. It was explained that since its foundation in 2000, the charity has expanded to provide a 365 day a year service covering the 5,500 square miles of Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. It is one of the busiest Air Ambulance Services in the country flying an average of 4 missions per day. A donation of a £100, was given from the club, and members were offered lottery membership forms for a weekly draw, to support their funds which rely totally on charity donations. Pictured right President Helen Glibbery and Hannah Clay from East Anglian Air Ambulance Future Events: Charity Stall at the Christmas Coffee Morning in the Queens Hall on Saturday 5th

December 9.30—11.30 Homemade produce for Christmas Tombola Bric -a-Brac and more Lunch Time Concert Queens Hall Watton Wednesday 9th December 12 - 2pm, where June Garratt and

friends will entertain you, and you will have a turkey bap and salad, coffee and mince pie all for £5 00. Tickets available from Mullengers or ring Brenda on 881792. Hope to see you there.

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 26

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Mid-Norfolk Times Page 27

Bradenham & District Horticultural Society Our November meeting, held on Thursday 19th, was treated to a talk by Ian Howard from the Woad Barn at Beetley. Several of our members had already visited Ian‘s farm and were interested to hear more about the ‗nuts and bolts‘ of his production. It all started with a meeting of five local farmers to discuss the possibilities of diversifying into crops that could be sold at the side of the road. They set up various small trials with echium, valerian, hypericum and woad. Due to scientific/medical problems arising with the first three, Ian decided small scale trials of woad weren‘t too productive so planted five acres. He was contacted by several interested research groups to act as contractor, just for growing the plant. The first small commercial trial was for an inkjet cartridge to be used in food labelling. Unfortunately this didn‘t last so Ian‘s wife Bernadette researched fabrics and market research while he experimented with the dyeing process. He had already been involved with researchers into the dyeing but the knowledge was incomplete. Although woad has been used as a dye since the Stone Age seeds were found in some cloth and leather wrapping in France that were positively identified as Neolithic and we have all heard of Boudicca‘s people using it as body paint - they did not keep proper records of the methods of production! Another fascinating fact is that the only part of the Bayeux Tapestry that has kept its colour was worked in woad dyed yarn. Woad is widely grown and used in France, with a lot of Government support, and a striking example is the fixative (obtained from the sap when the leaves are crushed) which is used in paint and thus we get all those blue shutters across France. Woad was obviously a high-priced commodity across Europe as Amiens Cathedral has a statue of two men with a bag of woad balls and it was found that the Cathedral was built from the profits of the woad trade. It is certainly a fascinating plant whose properties have not been fully explored. It has been found that the oil from cold pressing the seeds is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 and is a wonderful moisturiser. Ian uses this in soap, shower gel and hand wash. I can certainly vouch for the moisturising qualities of these products as being helpful in easing eczema and general

dry skin. There is ongoing research into woad‘s potential medical uses in cancer and Alzheimer‘s. That was a surprise. In the meantime, following Bernadette‘s research, they have concentrated on the fashion and fabrics side of their business, producing exquisite garments in natural fabrics using natural woad dye. This is obviously not cheap as many items are hand made as well. The yarns used range from bamboo through wool to silk, cotton, alpaca and mohair. He showed us a sample of fabric from a Harris jacket in wool so fine it looked more like fine cotton. These garments are exported all over the world, even to the Far East where they also grow the plant, even though they are different varieties. The Magic of Woad. Ian took us through the production of washing several times, addition of hot water and lime for alkalinity (in days gone by this process was done in one ‗hit‘ by using urine but let‘s not go there), cooling and finally extracting a suspension of indigo. Oddly this is green. However, the magic bit comes in as demonstrated with a small silk handkerchief as when the fabric is removed from the dye bath it is in contact with air and turns almost instantly from green to blue. The longer it is left in the air the more the blue develops. This was before our very eyes. There‘s nothing like a demonstration of how something works than something like that. Apologies to Ian for leaving out all the science bits as it would take up a great deal of room and I am not too sure I have it all down accurately. One thing is for sure, this small company producing wonderful niche market products and a passion for research and teaching is well worth a visit. The Woad Barn itself is a modern, attractive farm conversion at Beetley, about two miles past the Gressenhall Museum entrance. For those of you with internet access the website is www.woad-inc.co.uk Once we had got our breath back we had the results of the mini-show - A Christmas Decoration. The winner was Violet Simmons and second was Michael Simmons. Our December meeting is a members -only Christmas Party but we shall have the usual open meeting in January, details will be in next month‘s paper. Merry Christmas to all readers and potential members.

Watton University of the Third Age (U3A) The Christmas lunch at the Richmond Park Golf Club on Friday 4th December at 12.45am is now fully subscribed with thirty six members. A Christmas tea will be served to members following the speaker at the December 17th meeting. Members who were unable to list their names for this tea at the November meeting are asked to

phone Margaret on 01953 889951 by Friday 4th December. The next meeting is on Thursday 17th December with speaker Mike Wabe ―Christmas Stories and Songs‖ Visitors and new members are welcome. The membership secretary can be contacted on 01953 881109. For further information on the National U3A go to www.u3a.org.uk

Lime Tree Walk Halloween Fancy Dress Party Held at the Community Room, Lime Tree Walk, Watton on 31st October. The Chairperson would like to thank all residents and friends for a nice afternoon of entertainment. Shaun Sayer

SSAFA FH Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen’s Families Association Forces Help 1. Ranger Andy Allen, who lost both legs and most of his sight, has raised over £10k for SSAFA Forces Help by organizing a Land Rover pull in his home city of Belfast. His girlfriend and baby son regularly stayed with him at the Norton House at Headley Court while he received extensive treatment. 2. 60 young people affected in some way by disability enjoyed a week long action packed holiday with SSAFA Forces Help Holiday Services. They are all children of personnel from all 3 services. Jannine Tempest, mum of George aged 8 who has cerebral palsy, hemiplegia and epilepsy, said ―….he did things we never thought he would do and he has a beautiful diary of it all‖ 3. SSAFA Christmas Cards are on sale now at The Assembly Rooms in Norwich. Don‘t forget every penny benefits Norfolk branch funds! 4. SSAFA Forces Help has its own support groups – one for Families of Injured Servicemen and another for Bereaved Families. Although the groups were formed as a direct result of the conflict in Afghanistan, they offer help, support and a listening ear to families of servicemen no matter how they were injured or lost their lives. 5. 20 volunteers from Colchester Committee raised £950 at the Colchester Military Festival. 13 February 2010 is National Collection Day for SSAFA Forces Help and we shall need lots of volunteers for the street collection. Watch out for details next month! If you would like more information about SSAFA Forces Help or if you need help and you think you are eligible (including National Service and TA and Reservists) please ring 0160340332 MERRY CHRISTMAS

Ovington Gardening Club The November meeting was on the question of 'Squash it or not?' which was answered by Robert Maidstone in a most informative way. We all learnt that the answer was never simple because of the lifestyle of garden pests, what they actually did in the garden and the way that they interacted with other creatures as part of a complex life cycle which was actually beneficial to gardeners. In many cases the results were a real eye-opener! The next meeting is the Annual General Meeting of the Club, which is not a onerous as it sounds. The main positions all have volunteers to be voted in and the evening is mainly a social celebration of the year with refreshments, so please come along! This meeting is on Wednesday 2nd December at 7.45pm in the Village Hall. For further information, call Ed on 01953 885848 or Carole on 01760 440719

The wolf in your living room All of us that own dogs know that they are simply domesticated wolves who share our home with us, and that in order to maintain control over them we have to behave as alpha male wolf pack leaders. We know this because everybody around us tells us this so. So it must be right, right? Some of us know this and feel guilty because we sometimes let our mini-wolf up on the sofa for a cuddle! Not very alpha male hey? Dogs are indeed genetically almost identical to wolves, but, and it is a big BUT..... most of you out there have happy, loving pets who are probably very well behaved (most of the time!) despite you making no attempt to "dominate" them whatsoever. So how does that work? It works because dogs simply do not need to be treated like wolves because they are not wolves. If they were you really could not safely live with one! They are in fact a completely separate species, related yes, but not identical, in the same way that you and I are closely related to apes. There may be similarities in some of our behaviour but I am assuming here that you do not go home at night and swing in the branches of trees or dig up termites to eat with sticks? We are in fact very different to apes as indeed are dogs to wolves. Just suppose for a moment that the often heard theories about wolf and dog pack hierarchies are true and your dog does behave just like a mini wolf. Would this mean that he automatically sees YOU as a wolf too? Doubtful. The old cliché that dogs look like their owners does not usually extend that far! However, it is not uncommon to hear people who are having problems with their dog to be told that they need to behave like an alpha male - because their dog pulls on the lead they should make sure that they always walk through doorways first and always eat before their dog does - or even pretend to eat some of the dog's dinner before giving it to him. Curious stuff when you think about it and stuff which will never teach your dog to walk on a slack lead (for that you must train him!!). The truth is that studies of wild wolf packs show that in times of plenty

alpha males will always let cubs and weaker pack members eat first and that they are very tolerant of young pack member‘s juvenile behaviour So on either level, wolf or dog, lot of popular theories do not hold water. The plain fact is that you are not wolf and, although similar, neither i your dog. If you are a responsibl dog owner it is your duty to ensur your dog is well socialised as youngster, provided with simpl clear ground rules at home and trained to listen to you. Acting ou mythical rituals of dominance ar irrelevant. "Ahh" I hear cried "but i my dog growls or barks at me he i trying to gain control and he must b trying to dominate me". Afraid not You just need to train him. Problem generally arise when we do no understand normal dog behaviour. A dog that growls when you approach his food bowl is not being dominant he is simply communicating a worry that you are going to take his food away. And often he is right and th owner ups the stakes by doing jus that. So the next time the situation arises, the dog snaps or even bites That same dog, correctly trained, can easily be taught to be as pleased a punch that you approach and touch his food bowl. When it comes to human and dog interactions it's all in the training - no matter what th issue. That wolf in your living room certainly has wild ancestors and he himself is certainly similar in many ways, but he is also very differen in many others. A distant cousin o the wolf but also a separate species; a complex, emotiona people companion, who, given the correct input and training will be a devoted best friend to the end. So do him and yourself a favour forget wolves, just socialise him a a youngster, provide him with simple rules at home and, above all, train him to listen to you. Danny Childs is trainer and behaviourist with Dogs Trust, th UK's largest dog charity. He also provides private training and behavioural consultations through Old Dogs New Tricks. He may b contacted on 07919 502392 or a [email protected]

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 28

Watton Town Council backs Churchill Close residents Over 40 residents of Churchill Close attended the latest meeting of the council‘s Planning and Forward Development Committee to register their protest at an application that would, they say, turn the previously quiet cul-de-sac into a scene of congestion and trouble during the

school run times. The fear comes about after a submission to Watton Town Council of behalf of Norfolk County Council and Sustrans who are developing a cycle track to Watton from Griston. Sustrans describes itself as ―the UK's leading sustainable transport charity‖

whose vision is a ―world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.‖ The application would see, as a part of the wider project, the establishment of a footpath and cycleway from Thetford Road along the edge of the field to a

Picture: Submitted

Residents of Churchill Close are concerned about potential nuisance if plans go ahead

      

new entrance at the rear of Wayland Community High School and, at the same time, provide a new access into Churchill Close and from there to the town centre. The residents‘ main concern is that parents on the school run will see dropping their children off in or near Churchill Close as a shorter and quicker option than negotiating the mêlée of Merton Road. This, they claim, will result in even more chaos on Merton Road than there is at present, severe congestion in Churchill Close itself as parents try to negotiate the narrow roads and hundreds of school children passing though their estate with the inevitable increase in litter and noise. Further concern was expressed by Thetford Road residents that a Toucan Crossing, near Victoria Court, would be of the type that makes a loud beeping signal and there are fears that this will cause considerable nuisance. After hearing their concerns, councillors at the meeting added their own voices to the protest saying that whilst they acknowledged the need to divert traffic from Merton Road, it made no sense to put this link into Churchill Close. The Council voted unanimously to register their objections and also asked that the Thetford Road crossing be of a non audible type and synchronised with the other crossing near Tesco and the Memorial Way traffic lights to avoid

further congestion; that the footpath/ cycle track be adequately lit; that it be a vehicular access to the rear of Wayland Community High School; and that the hedge between the track and Churchill Close be reinforced to prevent unofficial use being made of the short cut. Councillors also added that a previous comment made by Norfolk County Council and registered in the Local Development Framework document (ID: 188662) which says ―Visibility from Churchill Close onto Merton Road is substandard and not suitable to cater for any increase in vehicular movements‖ should be reinforced. Sustrans Regional Director Nigel Brigham said ―There are two distinct aims of the proposals. One is to provide a new route to the High School to give people a really good walking and cycling route to the school and reduce car traffic. The second aim is to provide a short link to Churchill Close that would make access to and from the town centre easier by foot and bike for everyone in the Thetford Road area. As far as we are aware, everyone supports both of these aims, but people are understandably worried about what they think will be the unintended consequences‖. “We do not think it will be the problem the residents fear, the narrow roads there will deter drivers dropping their children at the opening because of the difficulties in turning and we will work with the school to discourage it, but we understand concerns.‖ Sustrans would like to find a solution to the problem and alleviate the fears of the residents.‖ It is understood that Norfolk County Council are to consult with the public in the affected areas and will take account of the consultation before deciding what to do next.

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Dorrington House (Watton) Tel: 01953-883882 73 Norwich Road, Watton, Norfolk IP25 6DH

Web: www.dorrington-house.co.uk e-mail [email protected]

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 29

WATTON CHURCHES TOGETHER SERVICE CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2009 St. Mary’s Church, Watton 1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion 2nd Wednesday Morning Worship. Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm Tel: 01953 881252 [email protected] www.stmaryswatton.org Sun 6th 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Holy Communion Mon 7th 7.30pm Wayland Group W I Carol Service Sun 13th 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Holy Communion 7.00pm Town Carol Service, Queen‘s Hall Tues 15th 1.00pm Wayland Comm. High School Carol Service Sun 20th 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Holy Communion 6.30pm Carol Service Thur 24th Christmas Eve 4.00pm Christingle Service with Shine!, especially for children and families 11.30pm Holy Communion Fri 25th Christmas Day 10.30am Family Holy Communion Sun 27th 10.30am Group Service - Morning Worship

Watton Methodist Church Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection and prayer between 10.am & 12.00noon It‘s your quiet place. At 10.30 there is a half-hour Midweek Service in the Large Vestry led by the Minister or a Church Member. www.wattonmethodist.btik.com Sun 6th 10.45am Rev B Winner—Baptism 6.30pm Mr R Hompstead Sun 13th 10.45am Mrs J Roebuck 7.00pm Town Carol Service, Queen‘s Hall Sun 20th 10.45am Carol Service 6.30pm Mr B Lawrence Thur 24th Christmas Eve 7.00pm Candlelight Carol Service Fri 25th Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Day Family Worship Sun 27th 10.45am At Hingham, No Watton Service 6.30pm No Service at Watton

Roman Catholic Community Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church Thurs 24th Christmas Eve 4.30pm Vigil Mass at Watton Methodist Church 11.30pm Carols, followed by Midnight Mass at Swaffham—our Lady of Pity Fri 25th Christmas Day 9.30am Mass at Swaffham Pentecostal Church, Dereham Road, Watton There is a Noah's Ark Sunday and King's Kids for children to age 11 — Sunday mornings 6th, 13th & 27th Dec Sun 6th 10.30am Morning Worship The Joy of the Season to You 6.30pm Prayer Service Sun 13th 10.30am Morning Worship The Joy of the Season to You Sat 19th 10.30am Carol Singing & Mince Pies, Chaston Place Sun 20th 10.30am Family Carol Service & Noah‘s Ark Prize Giving Fri 25th Christmas Day 11.00am Christmas Worship Sun 27th 10.30am Morning Worship The Joy of the Season to You 3.00pm Christmas Family House Party

St. Nicholas’ Church, Ashill Sun 6th Sun 13th Fri 18th Sun 20th Thur 24th Fri 25th

9.30am 9.30am 7.30pm 9.30am 10.00pm 9.30am

Sun 6th Sun 13th Fri 18th Sun 20th Thur 24th

10.30am 11.00am 7.30pm 11.00am 11.30pm

Lay Led Morning Worship Morning Worship Carol Service Crib/Christingle Service Holy Communion All Age Worship

St. George’s Church, Saham Toney Benefice Holy Communion Morning Worship Carol Service Christingle Service Holy Communion

S.S. Peter & Paul’s Church, Carbrooke Sun 13th

10.30am Holy Communion 3.00pm St. John Ambulance Carol Service Tues 15th 6.30pm Carbrooke School Carol Service Sun 20th 10.30am Crib Service Fri 25th 10.30am Family Holy Communion

St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington Thursdays at 8.00am Sun 13th 9.00am Mon 21st 6.00pm Fri 25th 9.30am

Said Holy Communion Holy Communion Carol Service Family Holy Communion

Fountain of Life Meets in The Well Christian Centre, Swaffham Rd, Ashill. A missionary congregation of the Church of England. Details on www.fountainoflifeonline.org Groups for children and young people of all ages Sun 6th 10.00am Holy Communion 6.00pm Feed the Soul worship teaching on Mark‘s Gospel Sun 13th 10.00am Service of the Word 6.00pm Feed the Soul Sun 20th 10.00am No Service 4.30pm Tea 5.30pm Carol Service followed by mulled wine Fri 25th 10.00am All Age Service to celebrate Christmas Day Sun 27th 10.00am Christmas Communion

Peace at Christmas

Thought for the month from the Rev. Roger Pawsey, Watton Pentecostal Church Prayer may be the way to experience calmness, and peacefulness of mind and spirit this Christmas. The serenity prayer has been used by many people and became well known when it was adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1941 as part of their 12 step programme. Try the prayer yourself this Christmas ―God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference‖ There are also humorous versions of the Serenity prayer in circulation ―God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones I do,

And the eyesight to tell the difference‖ - Author unknown ―God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change Courage to change the one I can change, And wisdom to know it‘s me.‖ –author unknown But my favourite prayer is known as ‗The Woman‘s Prayer‘ and goes like this: ―Dear Lord: So far today, I am doing all right. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self indulgent. I have not whined, cursed or eaten any chocolate. However, I am going to get out of bed in a few minutes and I will need a lot more help after that. Amen.‖

Poppy Appeal 2009 The total amount collected from this year‘s Poppy Appeal collection for Watton & District (up to 22nd November), is now over £11,000. However, there are still a few more collecting tins to come in and donations to be received. The final figure will be in the next edition. We would like to thanks everyone who has supported us so generously this year. Mrs Jo Myers, Poppy Appeal Organiser for Watton and District.

New Sunday Busses Following representation from Watton Town Council and others, Konnect busses are launching a new Sunday Service to and from Dereham and Norwich. Residents will be able, at last, to visit loved ones in hospital or pop over to Dereham for that little bit of shopping on a Sunday. The service commences on the 29th November and will be officially launched at Watton by the Mayor at 9.30 on 6th December. For more information and timetables please visit www.konnectbus.co.uk

Breckles, Caston, Great Hockham, Griston, Merton, Stow Bedon, Thompson

Worship Calendar: December 2009 Sunday 6th December—Advent 2 10:20 am Sunday Club Griston (ages 4-11, ‗Manorcourt‘ Day Centre, Manor Rd.) 10:30 am United Holy Communion Griston Merton Stow Bedon Breckles

Friday 18th December 6:30 pm Candlelit Lessons and Carols

Merton

Sunday 20th December—Advent 4 10:30 am Crib Service (non-Communion) Griston 3:00 pm Candlelit Lessons & Carols Gt. Hockham 6:30 pm Candlelit Lessons and Carols Caston

Friday 25th December—Christmas Day 10:30 am United Holy Communion

EDWARDS OF WATTON WATTON’S SPECIALIST NEWSAGENT

"Pick & Mix Sweets" now available in store

We are also pleased to offer News Deliveries 7 days a week in the following areas Griston, Northacre, Caston, Stow Bedon, Breccles, Great Hockham, East Wretham, Larling, Snetterton, Shropham and Mount Pleasant

50 High Street, Watton. Tel: 881234

Established in Watton for four generations

Lusher Coach Excursions 2010 Coming Soon!! Our 2010 Excursion List – will be available from Mid-December. To get your copy – please call us on 01760 440589 or e-mail [email protected]

Sunday 13th December—Advent 3 9:00 am Matins (BCP) 10:30 am United Holy Communion 5:00 pm Candlelit Lessons and Carols

Thursday 24th December—Christmas Eve 3:00 pm Christingle 3:00 pm Christingle Family Service 5:00 pm Christingle 8:00 pm Lessons & Carols 11:30 pm Midnight Holy Communion

Have a great Christmas and be at peace this year for that is the declaration of Christmas, ―peace to mankind‖. It is a real possibility you can discover more at one of the town‘s carol services. Let me leave you with a pun or two: She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still. Two silk worms had a race and ended up in a tie. Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana. I wondered why the football kept getting bigger; then it hit me. Two hats hanging on a rack; one said to the other, ‗you stay here, I‘ll go on ahead‘.

Gt. Hockham Thompson Caston Stow Bedon Thompson Griston

Sunday 27th December—First Sunday Of Christmas 9:00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Merton 10:30 am United Holy Communion Thompson

For all our parishes… ‘The WAY’ Youth Group (ages 11+) Sunday, 3rd January, 2010, 7-8:00 pm, Rectory

Pram Services: Wednesdays, 10:15 am Caston School Hall. For parents or carers with children aged 0-5. Short Holy Communion, kiddies‘ Christian songs, social & play time. (No Pram services on 23rd and 30th December.) Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols: Tel.: (01953) 483222;

All Saints Church, Threxton Holy Communion Sunday 6th December at 10am Christmas Carols with Watton Silver Band, Sunday 20th December at 6pm

J.C.

BOOKS

FINE BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD

& Applestore Gallery Telephone/Fax 01953 883488

55 High Street, Watton For quality out of print books, Fine Bindings and Collectable Editions. New Books including local and children’s classics. Visit the Applestore Gallery on the first floor, exhibiting the Paintings of Kevin Robinson and his complete range of East Anglian prints including Watton and Wymondham.

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 30

£3.5m CCTV rollout underway

Bales Browne Accountancy Services Limited Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Limited Companies and Partnerships Personal, Limited Company, and Partnership Tax Returns Book-keeping PAYE VAT Returns

Karen Bales ACCA MAAT Bsc (Hons)

Telephone 01953 884019 118 Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 6DU Email: [email protected]

HJC Ltd Motor Engineers Servicing & MOT preparation to all makes of modern cars & light commercials Tyres, Exhausts, & Batteries supplied and fitted Courtesy cars available Ask for Steve at: 5 Linmore Court Threxton Rd Industrial Estate Watton

Tel: 01953 889924

The installation of digital cameras at town centre locations across Breckland has begun, heralding the rollout of a new £3.5 million CCTV system for the Breckland district. Over the next 2 months, new CCTV cameras will also be installed in Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham and Watton, and several ‗roving cameras‘ will be available to provide additional flexibility. The new dome cameras will provide high quality images, are able to operate in low light and poor weather conditions and can be moved easily to new locations to respond quickly to changing circumstances. Supplied by specialists AMS (Advance Monitoring Solutions), the new CCTV system uses the latest wireless technology, and images picked up by cameras can be transmitted digitally to local storage devices; this does away with the need to store bulky tapes. With 24 hour remote access to images, CCTV operators in the Control Centre and local police will be able to respond quickly to problems or act to take preventative action. Breckland Council‘s Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Theresa Hewett said: ―The council has been looking forward to this major upgrade for some time. We are confident that the Axis cameras will make a major contribution towards improving safety and helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in

Breckland, and will take our plans for community safety and business support well into the future‘. Grahame Green, the Community Safety officer for Breckland District Council leading on the project, explained the benefits of the new system: ―The new wireless system offers a level of functionality and flexibility that our existing system is unable to provide. It will be cheaper and easier to relocate the wireless cameras and the new system will not be so reliant on costly fibre optics; offering an extremely cost-effective solution in the long term‘. Once deployed, the council plans to offer businesses throughout Breckland and East Anglia the chance to access the system for their own surveillance needs. The council hopes businesses and residents will take advantage of the system to enhance their own security requirements, thereby helping to expand the system‘s sphere of influence and enhance community safety in the area for everyone. A series of road shows, open to the public and business community, are to be held and Council and AMS officers will explain the benefits of the scheme, and how residents and businesses in the district can buy into the new system and have their own monitored CCTV or intruder alarms. Dates and venues are as follows: WATTON at the Wayland Partnership, 76 High Street Wednesday 2 December 2009 from 7-9 pm ATTLEBOROUGH The Breckland Lodge, London Road Friday 4 December 2009 79pm Pictured are (Left) Grahame Green, Breckland Council Community Safety Officer and M artin Spooner, Principal Engineer of Advance Monitoring Solutions Ltd. with one of the new digital cameras

No bank account? Norfolk Credit Union Ltd. has now introduced a Current Account to help you save and manage your money, and to pay bills by Direct Debit, etc. Wages, benefits, pensions and cheques can be paid directly into your account, and although there is a necessary small weekly charge for running this account, much of this may be offset by the discount offered by some companies for paying their utility bills etc. by Direct Debit or Standing Order. There are no overdraft facilities so you can only pay for things with the actual money in your account, however you will be provided with either an ATM cash card, or a Visa Debit Card. So long as there is money in

your account your will be able to draw cash from it with your ATM card, or to make some purchases and withdraw cash using 'cashback' with your Visa Debit card. For further information you can telephone or visit your local branch, the Wayland Commuity Bank at Wayland House in the High Street, Watton, or contact Norfolk Credit Union in Long Stratton tel: 01508 533842 [email protected] www.norfolkcu.co.uk Wayland Community Bank is open Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tel. 01953 883915 email [email protected] www.waylandbank.org

WEA Learning for pleasure The Watton and District Branch of the Workers Educational Association is offering a 10 week course on "The 13th Century" with tutor Brian Statham. The course will start on Tuesday, 26th January 2010 from 2pmto 3.30pm at the Watton Community Centre. The cost of the course will be £50 but for those on means tested state benefits the course will be FREE. Everyone aged 16 and over is welcome. There are no exams to sit. This course will explore the main events and characters in 13th century England,

including Magna Carta, the first Parliament and the forming of Britain. To join the course no previous experience of qualification is necessary, just a willingness to learn. The WEA is committed to promoting learning for life on behalf of adult learners. The topics covered are very diverse and a friendly welcome is waiting. Why not join us? For further information please telephone: Audrey Donovan 01953 885208 or Sheila Bingham 01953 882467 Reg Charity No: 1112775

Troop Aid A charity we should all support Troop Aid was founded in November 2006 by three ex servicemen, Captain (retired) Al Sutton, Derek Joss and Ray Warren as a result of a visit to Selly Oak Hospital‘s Alexandra Wing in Birmingham. This is the home of the Defence Medical We l fa r e S e r vi c e s who a r e responsible for the welfare of all Armed Forces Personnel, male and female who have been injured during the conflict in Afghanistan or elsewhere. When Troops return to the United Kingdom from the war zones they arrive back without their personal effects or clothing. The objective of Troop Aid is to supply the ―basic essentials‖ when service casualties return from serving their country overseas. Examples of what Troop Aid supply are a Grab Bag containing washing and shaving kit, towel, face flannel, shower mules, socks, underwear, t-shirt and shorts. Female requirements are also provided. Our Grab Bags are currently being sent out to the UK Medical Stations in Afghanistan. In addition to this emergency pack Troop Aid also supply on demand to the injured service personnel many other items of clothing and footwear. The Charity deals directly with the Defence Medical Welfare Service and other military medical establishments in the UK where there is a need. They have sponsored two rooms at Selly Oak Hospital for the families of Armed Forces Personnel who are in intensive care. Their funds come entirely from fund raising events and donations from organisations such as Help for Heroes, Rotary International, Lions International, The Monday Club Kuwait, Masonic Lodges, ex Service Associations plus the local business community and the general public. Troop Aid understands that everyone who joins the Armed Forces may one day go to war and fight for their country. They believe that when injured Troops return home they should be cared for. At Selly Oak Hospital injured servicemen and women receive the very best medical care. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this venture and with continued support we will give our Troops the support they deserve. How can you help ? If you would like to make a donation, however small, please make Cheques payable to TROOP AID and send to: TROOP AID, PO BOX 14482, SOLIHULL, B91 9LD or visit www.troopaid.info

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 31

Getting a kick out of competing

Christmas Art Exhibition (Mixed Media) Seasonal Theme Saturday 5th - Saturday 19th December 13 artists to include

Isobel Bartholomew Her work is featured in a number of publications including the R.H.S. 'New Dictionary of Gardening' and Dr. Shirley Sherwood's book 'A Passion for Plants - Contemporary Botanical Masterworks'

Dragonfly Exhibition Centre, Wayland House, Watton 01953 880205

SUNDAY AFTERNOON TEAS Hosted by St. Mary’s Church Sunday 20th December 2009 at Watton Christian Community Centre 2.30pm until 4.00pm All welcome—please come along and bring family and friends

WATTON BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Wed. 4th 2pm Meeting with Tea and chat at Watton Christian Community Centre Speaker: Rosie Gibb, subject ‘Lighthouses’ Mon.16th 12.30pm for 1pm Lunch at the Wagon & Horses, Griston

The Watton Society Left to right: Marsha Noble, Billy Carlton, Conrad Sellers, Ian Draycott Four members of the Watton School of Kickboxing recently attended a Kickboxing Show in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. This was run by Pete Dunnett, 5th Dan Combat Kickboxing Academy. This proved to be a busy day for all concerned. Up at 7am, pick up minibus at 8.15am and weigh in for 9.30am. Once all fighters were in, off we went. With three rings operating and with over 80 plus fights to get through this was

going to be a demanding day. I take my hat off to all of the students competing for really proving themselves in the ring. For three out of four, this was their first fight. A special mention has to go to Billy who got matched up twice on the day and came out victorious in both fights. Clubs came from all over for this event: Brighton, Birmingham, Newark, Norwich, Ipswich and local clubs from

Richmond Park Golf Club Ladies Section

Watton, Dereham, Harleston, Diss and more. If you would like to give Kickboxing a try, please come along to the Watton Youth and Community Centre on Thursday evenings. Juniors 7 – 16 years 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Adults 7.30pm – 8.30pm. First lesson is free. Call Matt Featherstone, 3rd Dan Black Belt on 01953 889313. Instructor is fully insured and first aid trained.

Richmond Park Golf Club Seniors The AGM of Richmond Park Seniors took place on 5th November. A well attended meeting welcomed Peter Ford as Captain for 2010 and Tony Fowler as Vice-Captain. Outgoing Captain, Mike Hosier thanked everyone for their support during his year and announced that his chosen charity, Macmillan Nurses, will benefit by over £1300, collected from various events held during the summer months. The Seniors Section has over 80 active members enjoying a mixture of social golf and friendly competitions. After the AGM over 45 members played in the annual 3 Club challenge. 1st place went to Roy Dolman with 35 points,2nd was Terry Hannon,34 points, 3rd was Phil Barrall 33 points and 4th was Gerry Knox also 33 points.. October Stableford winners: John Crowdy,Doug Atkins,John Weaver,Reg Knowles,Tony Fowler,Dave Packard,Phil Barrall.

Saham Cinema Club held at the Wells Cole Community Centre On 26th October we played a unique Greensomes of which the winners were Barbara Coverdale and Jean Barrall (39) 2nd Lesley Matthews and Karen Ralph (38) 3rd Fran Parker and Mary Wakeford (37). Our Annual general meeting was held on the 2nd October with a very good turnout. This was followed by the New Captain's drive in and a game of one, two ,three. This was won by Karen Ralph, Jan Bone, and Chris Bailey (38) 2nd Margaret Middleton, Elaine Aberdeen and Lesley Matthews (37). We played a medal the last before the winter Div 1 1st Ann Bell(75) 2nd Mary Wakeford(77) Div 2 1st Dylis Gibbs (75) 2nd Jeanette Fowler (78) Div 3 1st Dorothy Stephenson (83) 2nd Eileen Chard (85) Pictured: Ladies Captain handover between outgoing Captain Rosie Sutterby (right) and new Captain Sheila Hill.

Programme – December 2009 to February 2010 7.45 p.m. at the Watton Christian Community Centre Wednesday, December 16th June Garratt and Friends Entertain. £3.50 members, £4.50 non members, includes mulled wine and mince pies. Wednesday, January 20th Julian Horn. The History of Watton. £1.50 members. £2.50 non members. Wednesday, February 17th Stephen Pope. Norfolk Aviation. £1.50 members. £2.50 non members. For more information on the Watton Society and a programme to December 2010 telephone Judy Kerr 01953 882613 or email [email protected].

Friday December 18th

Valkyrie Saham Cinema is open to all in the Wayland area. Doors open at 7 for 7.30pm start. Tickets £4.00 Available from Saham Post Office or

01953 883394 Bar, Raffle, tea and coffee. One lucky ticket holder wins the film. Wheel chair / buggies welcome All profit go to the WCCC Saham.

20 (Corner of High Street and the old Dereham Rd.)

KRH CARPENTRY SERVICES

Keith Huish Skilled and Experienced Carpenter Need small home improvements? Doors, windows, locks . . . No job too small Free, no obligation quote Call Keith on (01953) 882484 or Mobile 07746 114285

CARPETS, 3 PIECE SUITES & LEATHER FURNITURE Safely and Professionally Cleaned call

Mike Barrett at Clean-Tech For a FREE no obligation quotation Telephone 01485 609 223

Tea, Coffee and Red Wine stains removed totally 100% Payment by major credit and debit cards welcome

News

Mid-Norfolk Times Page 32

Watton football roundup Watton United FC Veterans Sun 15 November Norfolk Veterans Cup Scole 3 Veterans Firsts 2 Another game - Another cup exit! Watton started brightly and thanks to the industrious Mark Ward were 2-0 up at half-time. They were rarely troubled throughout the half and looked likely to comfortably make it through to the next round. However, things aren‘t always what they seem and the break gave Scole a chance to reorganise. They came out for the second half a totally different side and from the whistle caused Watton all sorts of problems. It didn‘t take long for the hosts to pull a goal back when the Watton defence failed to clear the ball from their own 6 yard box. Within a few minutes they had drawn level and from there it was Scole all the way. Watton gave away possession in the middle of the park too often and were punished time and time again as Scole poured forward in numbers, leaving the defence hopelessly outnumbered. Scole's third goal inevitably came with about 15 minutes to play and, despite a valiant late effort, Watton simply couldn‘t find the style of play that had seen them so comfortably outclass their opponents in the first half.

Watton United Reserves Friday 6th November League Spixworth United Reserves 1 Watton United Reserves 4 Watton Reserves returned to winning ways at Spixworth United Reserves, turning in a impressive performance in 4 -1 win. With Watton‘s management team of Wilkins and Griffith ringing the changes after a poor performance in the last league fixture, they decided to go with a trio of Under 18 players Luke Jones, Sam Fincham and Harry Brown starting at right back. It was an inspired formation, with Jones scoring two in his first start of the season, Sam Fincham dominating the large Spixworth pitch with his energy, and Brown turning in calm and cultured man of the match performance at right back. Another new signing Luke Cooper coolly dispatched the fourth coming off the bench.

Watton Junior U18 Football Tue 17 Nov League Watton Junior Under 18's 3 Wisbech Town 2 Watton were up against a top of the table clash against Wisbech who so far

are unbeaten this season. Both teams football they have played all season. started fairly even eachhaving chances They played like a team that looked like and playing some decent football. they had been playing together for Watton conceded an unlucky free kick years, and it was a pleasure to watch. on the edge of the area, which the They had chances in the first half with Wisbech Captain converted in to a both Luke and Jonno, who you could lovely goal. normally rely on, unable to find the The game continued with both teams target. As it happens Watton could have matching each other, Matty pulled off a gone in a halftime 1 -0 down, but Matty lovely save only for Wisbech to follow made an excellent save having one of up with the rebound to score a goal. Last the best games he has ever had, not season would have seen Watton drop because he had to do a lot but he was their heads and carry on being defeated, quick off his line and acted as a sweeper but this year they seem to have more spirit and this was shown when Harry sent a good ball into the box for Luke to get on the end of and head home. Minutes later, after some good build up play Eddie latched on to the ball and put it past the keeper and into the back of the net to make the halftime score 2-2. The second half saw both teams battling hard Watton Junior U18 Man of the Match - Luke Jones trying to play some nice football. Watton secured the to the back four, who were also on top win with an attempt on goal from Lozza form. which hit the bar but found its way to The second half started the same as the Jonno to put the ball in the back of the first with the defence standing solid and net. Watton kept their cool and held out midfield playing some great football for the win, taking the full time score to trying to get the forwards involved. 3-2. This was a very good win for Watton‘s persistence finally paid off Watton and hopefully something they when from a corner, Jake claimed a can build on when they play at home to loose ball and hit the back of the net. Newmarket next week. Man of Match Not long after Jake once again was on Luke Jones the score sheet. Starting Line Up: Matty Colley, Harry This was a great win for Watton and it Brown, Kevin Holt, Sam Fincham, showed what a great team they can be. Kieren Brown, Jonathan Franklin, Man of match was Luke Jones, who Jordan Scent, Jake Scent, Luke Jones, himself should have scored 2/3 goals, Eddie Mc Donagh, Sam Lawrence. but was always a constant threat and Tuesday 03 Nov (League) Wisbech St never stopped running. Mary 0 Watton Junior Under 18's 2 Starting Line up: Matty Colley, Harry Watton played away to Wisbech St Brown, Kevin Holt, Kieren Brown, Sam Mary, who beat Watton on their home Fincham, Sam Lawrence, Luke Jones, ground when they last met. Watton Jordan Scent, Jake Scent, Eddie Mc weren‘t to beaten again by this side Donagh, Jonathan Franklin. though as right from the start, Watton were in control playing some of the best

Prayer of the Heart Activities at Watton Methodist Church Comprising Christian Meditation, Bi Monthly Worship, and Bimonthly Spiritual Book group. For those seeking reflective prayer, mid-week worship with a more reflective and contemporary feel, and those who enjoy exploring their faith by reading spiritual books old and new. Christian Meditation - 7.45 in the Vestry – 7th Dec., 21st Dec. (Christmas reflections) 4th & 18th Jan. Monday Evening Worship – Next Service in February Spiritual Journey Book Club – 25th Jan, 7.45 in the Willow House

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Welfare Contact Number: 01328 864543

WATTON & DISTRICT BRANCH Contact Number Captain Glyn Bellamy:

01953 880188

EVENTS DIARY ACC = Ashill Community Centre, Hale Road, Ashill; Watton CCC = Watton Christian Community Centre; Wells CCC = Wells Cole Community Centre, Saham

December Thurs 3rd } A Christmas Festival at St Andrew‘s Quidenham Mon 7th } 11am to 3pm Daily See ad. Sat 5th Holme Hale Christmas Bazaar - See ad Sat 5th Ovington Christmas Bazaar 12 Noon to 3pm See art Sat 5th Great Hockham Christmas Fair - see ad Sat 5th Christmas Prize Bingo Great Ellingham See ad Sat 5th } Christmas Art Exhibition at the Dragonfly Gallery Sat 19th } Wayland House, Watton. See ad Wed 9th Queen's Hall Inner Wheel Lunchtime Concert See art. Thurs 10th to Sat 12th Watton Art Group Show - See ad Fri 11th }Christmas & All That Jazz Garboldisham Vill. Hall Fri 12th }Christmas & All That Jazz Thetford - see ad Sat 12th Watton Senior Citizens Party See article Sat 12th Watton Rotary Christmas Disco See ad Sun 13th Ashill WI Annual Carol Concert - See ad Sun 13th Watton Churches Together Christmas Carol Service at The Queens Hall, 7pm Tues 15th 7.45pm to 9.30pm NWT Talk Conserving the Wensum Valley. Watton CCC. Thurs 17th Christmas Bingo Great Ellingham See ad Fri 18th Saham Cinema Club - See ad Thurs 31st Freeloader at Carbrooke Village Hall - see ad.

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Call for our Brochure or Visit our SHOWROOM and WORKSHOPS Home visits can be arranged also Fireplaces, House Names etc. 75 NORWICH ROAD, WATTON, NORFOLK, IP25 6DH Tel: 01953 881501

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